News

A review of Suite Poughkeepsie

I just came across a mention of Suite Poughkeepsie from December 2006 in the online arts journal ARISTOS, entitled  “The Joys of Light Music” by Jesse F. Knight. I’ve also learned that Jesse passed away in 2008. I found this quote from him in a tribute to his life:  “Without exception,” Jesse said, explaining his devotion to light music, “it is entirely lacking in despair [and] life affirming.”

 

Well said, Jesse. Thanks from this side of the veil.

 

Of Suite Poughkeepsie he writes:

Joseph Bertolozzi is another accomplished composer of light music. Like many others in the field, he writes in other forms as well. Choral, chamber, solo piano, and liturgical music are prominent in his repertoire, not to mention stage scores. His light music fare includes “Suite Poughkeepsie“– an evocation, he has said, “of characteristic local scenes, impressions of [his] own experiences growing up [in Poughkeepsie, N. Y.], things which will be familiar to its present inhabitants.” At the other end of the musical spectrum are two of Bertolozzi’s more serious works: The Contemplation of Bravery, for solo French horn and strings–characterized by him as “introspective, meditative”–and An Age Will Come (commissioned in 1992 for the Columbus Quincentennial). These inspiring contemporary compositions may be heard in their entirety on the composer’s website [more on all three]. (Listen also to the United States Military Academy Band’s version of The Contemplation of Bravery.)

Jesse F. Knight (1946-2008)

90th Anniversary of Mid Hudson Bridge – MODELS

Mid-Hudson Bridge models mark 90th anniversary of Hudson River crossing

From Mid Hudson News, July 31, 2020

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge will mark its 90th anniversary on August 25 and the Historic Bridges of the Hudson Valley (HBHV) introduced one of many bridge “models” Thursday afternoon in Waryas Park.

A model of the span celebrating Joseph Bertolozzi’s Bridge Music was painted by well-known local artist Franc Palaia and unveiled Thursday afternoon with the actual Mid-Hudson Bridge providing the backdrop for the artwork.

 

The HBHV is making a limited number of models of the bridge available for purchase by local businesses and individuals in both Poughkeepsie and Highland to commemorate the anniversary.  The bridge has been credited with creating the Hudson Valley by allowing ease of travel between Ulster and Dutchess counties and beyond.  A statement by HBHV says “Many businesses and civic organizations are successful, in part due to access provided by the Mid-Hudson Bridge.” 


Palaia was asked by Bertolozzi to paint the model that is now displayed in the park.  “Because he’s Mr. Bridge Music, I made sure that the imagery was musical,” said the artist.  The model includes a piano, music notes, drums, and other musical references.  Palaia said “I picked this spot because it’s in eye-shot of the Mid-Hudson Bridge.”


Admiring the model, Mayor Rob Rolison said “It’s right here, in the right spot, in Waryas Park.”  The mayor commended the idea of the models, saying “The Mid-Hudson Bridge is such an important crossing of this beautiful and majestic river.”  Rolison was joined at the unveiling by first ward councilman Chris Petsas who admired the addition to the park.  “This unique artwork is one more way that the city is becoming more pleasing to the eye.  This piece will be enjoyed by the countless number of people that visit the beautiful Waryas Park.”