10:00 a.m. CAMTA BuSINESS MEETING
Slate of Board officer candidates announced
11:00 a.m. Professional Development Program
Michael Fritsch, Pianist/Teacher
“The Impressionistic Piano Works of Charles T. Griffes”
Charles Tomlinson (1884-1920) is recognized as one of the most brilliant composers of the turn of the 19th century. His earlier works were influenced by German Romanticism. His second period was highly influenced by the French Impressionist composers and by Russian composers. His third period style was more severe, as one sees in the magnificent Sonata for piano, written from 1917 to 1919.
This presentation concerns itself with the Three Tone Pictures, Op. 5, Fantasy Pieces, Op. 6, and Roman Sketches, Op. 7, all influenced by Impressionism, but all in Griffes' distinctive voice. Much of the music will be performed. Emphasis will be place on the features that create the composer's individual style. and on approaches to teaching this repertoire.
BIOGRAPHY
Michael Fritsch received degrees in piano performance from Wheaton College, the University of Cincinnati, and from Northwestern University, from which he was awarded the Doctor of Music degree. At Northwestern he was a piano student of Donald Isaak and a pedagogy student of Frances Larimer. At Northwestern he was elected to the music honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda.
In addition to being an independent music teacher, Dr. Fritsch has taught piano and music theory at Wheaton College, and private and class piano at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. He has given presntations on the piano music of Clementi, MacDowell, Mozart, and Griffes for numerous local associations of ISMTA, and is past president of West Suburban Music Teachers' Association He is frequently called upon to be an ajudicator for contests.
A long-time church musician, Dr. Fritsch has been organist, choir director, or pianist at several churches. He is currently organist/pianist at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove.
Dr. Fritsch and his wife, Janis reside in Wheaton with their very active Border Collie, Andy.