Strum
By Jessie MontgomeryA Note from Concertmaster Holly
American composer Jessie Montgomery has a gift for blending tradition with innovation, creating music that feels both rooted and alive. Strum showcases her style perfectly. She turns a simple gesture, the strum, into a web of layered rhythms, plucked textures, and flowing harmonies. The piece pulses with motion, joy, and a sense of connection, reflecting Montgomery’s signature ability to make classical music feel immediate, personal, and full of energy.
Strum offers a lively introduction to Jessie Montgomery’s musical voice ahead of the Wichita Symphony’s November 16th performance of her Starburst. Both works pulse with rhythmic vitality and an unmistakable vibe that feels both fresh and familiar.
Questions for thought as you listen:
- What other genres of music come out in Montgomery's Strum?
- How does opening with a plucked melody set the tone or mood for the piece?
Leave us your comments
Share your thoughts below! There are no wrong answers, just your unique take. If the music reminds you of a place or a feeling, we'd love to hear it.
