By Lily Gannon, Staff Writer
Guitarist Kevin J. Cope performed a selection of his compositions on March 5 in Stretansky Concert Hall.
Cope performed “Pneuma,” “Suite No. 1,” “Solstices,” “Ithnaan Maqamat,” “Ayoub,” “Five Studies,” “Quatre pieces breves” and “Follie Circulaire.”
Some works featured multiple movements: “Suite No. 1” was made up of “Tango de la Tentadora,” “Sikah Baladi,” “Medianoche Habanera” and “Sikah Baladi.”
“Ithnaan Maqamat” was made up of sections “Zandjaran” and “Suzdil.” “Quatre pieces breves” was made up of “Prelude,” “Toccata,” “Waltz” and “Fantasia.”
According to the program, Cope was originally inspired by heavy metal guitar and bands like Megadeath and Metallica. He later got into other groups and transitioned into classical guitar.
He credits influences suchas Igor Stravinsky, Alberto Ginastera and Richard Danielpur for how his own composition style evolved.
According to the program, Cope incorporates different aspects such as free atonal, Latin dance, Arabian scales and metal into his music.
Cope explained the background behind some of the works featured.
The first composition Cope played, “Pneuma,” was featured in Classical Guitar Magazine’s “Music to Play” section.
“I wrote short little pieces to be handed out at festivals,” Cope explained.
He continued to say that many of the songs he performed were meant to be used for that purpose and explained that the best way to get music out to the public is to put it in their hands.
Some of Cope’s works are also commissions, such as “Suite No. 1.”
The first section of “Suite No.1,” “Tango de la Tentadora,” was meant as a present from a colleague to his wife.
“This piece I wrote while working with a composer,” Cope said. “He wanted a short, sexy piece for his wife’s birthday.”
According to Cope, he wanted “Suite No. 1” to display different styles of music, including Latin dance music and Arabian scale themes to encourage listeners to dance.
Attendees noted the variety of music Cope performed at the recital.
“It was really fun, really relaxing too,” said first-year Max Stansberry. “I think the combination of his performance with the music was pretty unique.”
Other attendees at the recital pointed out Cope’s specialization on guitar.
“I don’t think I realized how many different styles of guitar playing there were,” said senior Angie Poole.
Cope is a graduate of the University of Delaware with master’s degrees in music composition and guitar performance. He has studied with composers such as Susquehanna Professor of Music Patrick Long, Jennifer Barker and Andrew Bleckner.
He has received several awards and recognitions for his musical works.
Cope has been the recipient of the Emerging and Established Professional Awards for music Composition as well as the Emerging Professional Award for Music: Solo Recital from the Delaware Division of the Arts.
He was also featured on the cover of Soundboard Magazine in their 40th Anniversary Edition for his work with guitar composition.
Classical Guitar Magazine also featured Cope’s first CD“Destination Unknown, Original Compositions I, Solo Guitar Vol. 1.”
