This concert was titled "Clarinet Spectacular" and was performed at the Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music. From the title alone it is obvious to deduce what the concert revolved around. The clarinet was the glorified instrument played Paul Votapek and in conjunction with the clarinet on stage was a piano played by Michael Baron. Although there were only two instruments being played on stage both musicians performed exceptionally producing an orchestral type sound. .
I chose a seat directly in front the stage a couple rows from the first. I had a clear view of the musicians, the stage, and the instruments. Upon initial observation of my surroundings I can see that the audience is quiet and well mannered, patiently waiting for the performers to make their appearance. As the performers enter they are greeted with applause and bow to the audience before they take their positions. Applause is also given when the musicians complete a piece.
The type of music played in this recital could be classified in a couple eras of music types: classical, romantic, and contemporary. The clarinet and piano worked very well together as a pair. In the first piece especially (clarinet sonata No. 2 in E-flat major by François Devienne) the piano picks up off the clarinets dissonance very well and throughout all the pieces the two instruments support one another as they exchange rhythm and interplay between melodies. The clarinet gives vibrant color to the sound of the music while the piano gives underlying harmony under the sharp notes of the clarinet. Even though the concert was titled "Clarinet Spectacular" on moments the clarinet would recede the piano kept the melody going for a short period of time. .
Digressing on the topic of the musicians of the concert, I'd first like to discuss the performance of Michael Baron. There were some moments Baron would play without the accompaniment of the clarinet.