Strange Humors / Wind Band Classics

The Rutgers Wind Ensemble here presents four engaging works rich with cross-cultural allusions by leading American composers. John Mackey’s aptly named Strange Humors merges African hand-drumming, an Orientalist musical style and the big band sound into a sultry brew. Michael Daugherty’s virtuosic Raise the Roof for timpani and wind ensemble pays homage to buildings such as the Empire State, while the clarinet concerto Brooklyn Bridge takes panoramic views across New York City. James Syler’s The Hound of Heaven charts the spiritual journey of a desperate soul who seeks and finds the balm of God’s grace.