On Saturday, September 21, the Distinguished Artists and Lecture Series opened with pianist Tanya Gabrielian performing “Committed,” a most fascinating program of music by composers known to have experienced mental health issues. Tanya Gabrielian said, “Art is a celebration of life and a way to acknowledge that every person, regardless of their personal circumstances can contribute beauty to the world!”
This performance took place at the First Congregational Church in Santa Cruz and the wonderful Yamaha CFX concert grand piano obeyed her every command filling the venue with a full spectrum of dynamic sound from the most delicate nuance to overwhelming fortissimo passages.
Tanya Gabrielian is a strikingly attractive, outstanding young pianist; one of several who are making an indelible mark on the concert stage worldwide with their strong, artistic performances! “A pianist of powerful physical and imaginative muscle” (London Times) Ms. Gabrielian performance was an intelligent, sensitive and technically challenging interpretation of five works: Sarabande and Chaconnoe from Almira by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) arranged by Franz Liszt (1811-1886); Two Mazurkas by Alexei Stanchinsky (1888-1914); Morceaux de Fantasie by Sergei Vasilievich Rachmanininoff (1873-1943); Demien Sonata by Arturo Cardelus (b. 1981) and perhaps the work most anticipated, Beethoven’s (1770-1827) last Sonata Op0us 111.
Handel’s works were in the Baroque style, elegantly performed exploiting the beautiful sound that the Yamaha CFX Grand piano has to offer in all registers. Handel suffered from bipolar disorder and it was during a manic phase that he composed the “Messiah” in just 17 days.
Stachinsky’s two Mazurkas were beautifully and powerfully interpreted, somewhat in the style of Scriabin and to a lesser degree, Chopin. Russian composer Stanchinsky was hailed as a genius by both Prokofiev and Medtner, but tragically died at the age of 26 from a possible suicide.
Rachmaninoff’s five works Elegie, Prelude, Melodie, Polichinelle and Serenade were impressive and well received. It was reported that Rachmaninoff spent time in a New York Mental Institution for depression while in the USA.
The Demien Sonata, in a three movements Furioso, Sospeso Furioso, was the surprise of the evening. The title Demien stems from Hermann Hesse’s, a story of a boy, Emil Sinclair, and his search for himself. At the age of ten Emil feels the inner conflict between this world, which he calls the “world of light.” The outside world, the “forbidden realm,” represents sin, loneliness, deceit and insecurity. In the end, the boy does not belong to either world. Cardelus captures both ideas of the furious and suspended in his work. The explosive opening with its thoughtful textures showcased Ms. Gabrielian’s virtuosity and then merging into the second section, an effective, eerie musical atmosphere in this composition. Interesting work.
Beethoven’s final Piano Sonata No. 32, Opus 111, has been one of the most performed works in the 2013 Queen Elisabeth (Belgium) International Piano Competition as well as the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition with at least ten finalists performing this composition. It was completed in January, 1822 and dedicated to his pupil Archduke Rudolph of Austria. The introduction to the first movement, designated Maestoso (In a majestic and stately manner), was realized by Ms. Gabrielian: Majestically! The monumental second movement, Arietta is designated Adagio – molto semplice e cantabile (in a very smooth, lyrical, flowing style). The second half of the second movement was played respecting the L’istesso (in the same) tempo. The performance was an impressive success as acknowledged by the standing ovation accorded Ms. Gabrielian by the audience.
Two encores followed: J S Bach’s transcription of Marcello’s Oboe Concerto and The lark, by Glinka arranged by Balakirev, both beautifully performed.
Pianist Soheil Nasseri will perform an all Beethoven program on Saturday, October 19 at the First Congregational Church. Call 831 688 1518 for ticket information.