Joby Bell - Joby Bell - Program Notes

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Upcoming Performances

August 30
4:30 pm Eastern
Rumple Presbyterian, Blowing Rock, N.C.
-hymn festival-

September 27
2:00 pm Eastern
Rosen Concert Hall, Appalachian State University
-student premiere-

October 11
3:00 pm Eastern
St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock, N.C.
-Evensong-

November 1
3:00 pm Eastern
St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock, N.C.
-All Souls Evensong-

November 10
8:00 pm Eastern
Rosen Concert Hall, Appalachian State University
-Rutter Requiem-

February 21, 2027
4:30 pm Eastern
Church of the Advent, Boston, Mass.
-Evensong recitalist-

March 12, 2027
evening time TBA
Munsey Memorial Methodist, Johnson City, Tenn.
-Guest recitalist-

March 13, 2027
morning time TBA
Munsey Memorial Methodist, Johnson City, Tenn.
-Master class-

Summer 2027
date/time TBA
St. Mark Lutheran, West Des Moines, Iowa
-Guest recitalist-

Summer 2027
Lichfield Cathedral
Christ Church choir, Macon, Ga.

Summer 2027
Eastern Germany
Holy Comforter Church choir, Charlotte, N.C.

"Oh, I like all kinds of music!” is a familiar strain among certain age groups. But those groups will not be the only attendees at a recital. I seek a wide common ground on which everyone can enjoy the recital. I believe the program notes are the tool for that job. My notes usually explain the piece rather than the composer. I provide only the barest biographical information to provide necessary context. My primary concern is to outline a road map through the piece: what to listen for, what style to understand, what clever surprises await. The ultimate satisfaction comes when a person tells me that they heard what the program notes prepared them for! Here are some examples of my writing, what I always hope is “easy reading” for the audience:

ALAIN, Jehan

ALBRIGHT, William

BACH, Johann Sebastian