A
MUSICAL REVELATION:
PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA 2024
Review by AMELIE SEE (11 years old)
 |
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.
