By Graydon Weaver
Transcript Correspondent
As winter began to loosen its grip, several staff members displayed their musical talents in the Jemison auditorium of Sanborn Hall.
Distinctive musicians in their own right, together they presented the works of one of the most famed classical composers.
The work of Johannes Brahms was the theme of the night.
âI get a feeling of emotional exhaustion after playing the first movement,â said Dr. Frank Chiou.
Chiou, the assistant professor of Piano and Theory opened the concert with two solo piano pieces.
Karl Pedersen, principal violist of the Columbus symphony, later accompanied Chiou. Crystal Stabenow , adjunct professor of voicesupplied vocals for the final two pieces.
The Brahms pieces performed presented a challenge for the musicians. While the viola and piano parts complimented each other, the two performers played almost completely different pieces, which required great skill and precision to form one comprehensive piece of music.
Stabenow sang in German for the final two pieces, which exemplified the importance of Brahms and other classical works: the brilliance that surrounds the composition, not necessarily the content.
Though the majority of the audience could likely not translate the lyrics, Stabenowâs clear operatic voice drew the crowdâs attention.
âExpanding your appreciation for different kinds of music, especially classical music could benefit a lot of people,â said junior Stephen Telepak, an audience member.