Tasnim Oyshi
Staff Writer
The final recital in the TCNJ Faculty Artist Recital series was held at Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall on April 7. The event featured Professor Benjamin Kauffman on the tuba, accompanied by Sherry Kim and Professor William Frampton on the viola who was accompanied by Tomoko Kanamaru.
The recital began at 12:30 p.m. with Kauffman’s rendition of “Concerto for Bass Tuba” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The piece started dramatic and fast-paced in the “Prelude” and moved into the slower and more sentimental “Romanz” before ending with a faster, more playful “Finale.”
“Performing the Vaughan Williams Concerto was a full circle moment because this is one of the pieces I performed during the playing demonstration portion of the interview process for the position here at TCNJ last summer,” he said.
Kauffman’s second piece was “Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70” by Robert Schumann. He explained how he strives to perform at least one standard piece and one not originally meant for the tuba every recital.
“The Schumann is a piece I knew I wanted to perform since I first heard it,” Kauffman said, describing why it fit well with the instrument. “He never originally composed for tuba, but much of his music suits the instrument very well. Each of the pieces chosen showcase the tuba’s singing qualities, its power, and its vast range.”
After Kauffman, Frampton started off his performance with York Bowen’s “Phantasy For Viola and Piano, Op. 54.” The song switched back and forth between a fast and slow pace, with Frampton and Kanamaru’s physical movements adding emotional depth.
He followed up with selected pieces from the “Romeo and Juliet” ballet composed by Sergei Prokofiev and arranged by Vadim Borrisovsk, including “Introduction,” “The Street Awakens,” “Julia the Young Girl” and “Dance of the Knights.”
“Professor Kanamaru suggested these works by Prokofiev and Bowen, which I was only slightly familiar with,” Frampton said. “I agreed immediately, feeling gratitude that Professor Kanamaru was willing to put in so much work to perform these substantial pieces. They both turned out to be highly satisfying pieces of music to spend time with.”
In his preparation for the recital, Frampton had begun planning with Kanamaru during summer 2025. They practiced individually and began rehearsing together a few weeks before the performance. Although he had performed “Phantasy” before, this was Frampton’s first time playing the Prokofiev.
“There are always unknowns concerning how one will feel performing music in front of an audience for the first time,” Frampton said about his first time performing in Mayo. “The hall allows for a large dynamic range, with very soft moments feeling particularly satisfying in contrast with big moments. The piano is excellent, and it doesn't get any better than playing with a great colleague like Dr. Kanamaru.”
Meanwhile, Kauffman started by focusing on the less familiar repertoire, which were the Schumann piece and the third movement of Vaughan Williams. “Once these areas became as comfortable as the rest of the program, I began rehearsing with Sherry, my pianist,” he said.
"It felt wonderful to perform the last faculty recital this year,” Kauffman said. “Only my students and a few faculty members had heard me play up until the recital. William’s portion of the recital was phenomenal and very enjoyable. Overall, I think it was a great experience for all involved.”
The Faculty Artist Recital series has been an ongoing part of the events organized by TCNJ Center for the Arts. Professors Joshua Kovach and Kathy Mitchell were the first to be featured in the Spring semester on Feb. 6, showcasing their skills in clarinet and saxophone respectively. Students can look forward to attending future faculty performances next semester.
