A MUSICAL REVELATION:
PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA 2024
Review by AMELIE SEE (11 years old)
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| Amelie See is a cellist and pianist, seen here with Mischa Maisky & Han-Na Chang |
Very few concerts unveil a World Premiere, let alone a work crafted by a Singaporean composer. Yet that was precisely what unfolded at Piano Extravaganza 2024, previously known as the Young Virtuoso Recital Series.
The evening commenced with a mesmerizing rendition of two lieder by Schubert transcribed by Frederic Meinders, expertly performed by Natalie Ng. These pieces, Ave Maria and Litanei auf das Fest Allerseelen (Hail Mary and Litany for the Feast of All Souls), had never graced Singapore's shores until now, challenging the pianist with their intricate left-hand composition. Natalie's mastery shone through, her voicing imbued with rich depth and emotion.
Following this captivating start, Natalie Ng and Geoffrey Lim took the stage in perfect harmony for Schubert's Fantasy in F minor, D. 940. Their synergy was so seamless that it seemed as if a single virtuoso commanded the keys. This rendition was notably tight, each motif bursting with vibrant hues, and Geoffrey's tone sparkled with crystalline clarity.
Geoffrey Lim then took center stage for Chopin's tempestuous Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52, delivering a performance marked by effortless poise. The piece's hidden variations and tumultuous finale were navigated with finesse and flair.
The concert then took a contemporary turn with Jonathan Shin's Three City Ballads, where the composer himself brought these poetic compositions to life. From bustling Funan to the humble journey of an ant, each ballad evoked vivid imagery and dynamic storytelling. Personally, the third ballad resonated deeply, capturing the ant's industrious movements amidst the flow of city life.
After the intermission, Lin Xiangning graced the stage with Mendelssohn's Variations Serieuses, her impeccable technique and clarity holding the audience spellbound. This was followed by a rare treat: Lin Xiangning and Jonathan Shin's dynamic rendition of Stravinsky's Concerto for Two Pianos, a Singapore premiere that crackled with energy and passion.
After Geoffrey Lim performed Debussy’s picturesque L’isle Joyeuse with clarity and brilliant technique, the evening continued to soar as Geoffrey and Natalie breathed life into Astor Piazzolla's Soledad and Libertango, arranged by Pablo Ziegler. Soledad's melancholic strains contrasted beautifully with the fiery, passionate rhythms of Libertango, captivating the audience with every note.
In a grand finale, all four pianists returned to the stage for Kelly Tang's Symphonic Suite on a Set of Singapore Tunes (transcribed hands by Bertram Wee), an exhilarating medley of Singaporean melodies performed on eight hands. Cheeky nods to John Williams, Elmer Bernstein, Beethoven, and even Singapore's National Day songs peppered the suite, delighting the audience with its inventive blend of tradition and homage.
Photographs by Pianomaniac.
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