It had been a long time since teachers at BFA had gotten together to perform a recital, but Tuesday we did it! It was a good way for us to remember how it feels to work up a piece of music to performance level and deal with all the stress of performing.
Suzanne introduced the evening, reading from Ecclesiastes (the famous “there is a time for everything” passage).
Mike Hill was the first to play; he told the story of how he had heard this 20th century piece on the radio and called the station to find out what it was! It was the Danzas Argentinas by A. Ginastera. Listen for the notes of the guitar strings at the end of the first movement.
Next up was David McCormack playing Chopin’s Nocturne in C Minor, Op. 48 No. 1. David described a bit of background on Chopin’s life and the composition before starting.
Katie Roberts played “It is Well.” She shared how this piece has meant a lot to her this year as she has gone through some difficult things. God is her peace in the midst of turmoil.
Jane Tiik wowed us with her beautiful, rich voice. She sang “Tu che accendi questo core” from Tancredi by Rossini. She explained that it was from the “Bel Canto” style of opera, which means “beautiful singing.”
Melody Olson played the first of “Deux Arabesques” by Debussy, a composer whose works are in an impressionist style.
Brian Post played the Bach Cello Suite in G Major – transcribed for guitar! Bach wrote all his music to the glory of God – at the bottom of each manuscript he wrote “Soli Deo Gloria” – to God alone be the glory.
Suzanne played Gershwin’s Preludes for Piano. She described how Gershwin took “Black people’s music” and brought it onto the concert stage.
Karen Purpero performed the Scherzo from Griffes’ Fantasy Pieces. The piece depicts some a crazy dance of some mythical creatures.
Before starting the Brahms Violin Concerto (1st movement only), I mentioned that romantic composers tried to portray emotion through their music, and Brahms was no exception. Sometimes the emotions evoked in romantic music cannot be put into words. In this piece, I feel a certain longing, best described by the German word “Sehnsucht,” that reminds me of a greater beauty beyond anything this world has to offer. It’s a long piece, so it’s on YouTube in 2 parts. Part 1, Part 2.
Many thanks to Lauren Holland for accompanying me – especially after a delayed trans-Atlantic flight!
Thanks to Hans Fung for videotaping and making it possible for my parents to hear the performance even though they are many miles away!
Thanks also to my students who came and gave me flowers and hugs!
