The Three B’s performance last Friday was, to turn a phrase, B-oisterous, B-rilliant, and a B-last! Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Opus 37 was the highlight.
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Beethoven |
Markus Groh, the guest pianist, exhibited such a mastery of his instrument that it was really a pleasure to watch. The piece was full of so many piano flourishes and runs. Mr. Groh never missed a beat and played with such passion, it was enthralling.
The changes of the music were just excellent, so much light and shade, and such turmoil; all the traditional kinds of hooks that Beethoven was famous for. Groh also played with such a command of volume, I was very impressed with the touch and the sensitivity that he had.
The whole orchestra seemed to follow Markus Groh with B-oldness and B-rilliance! That was the last one I promise! I did not want the Beethoven piece to end.
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Brahms |
Brahms’ 3rd Symphony in F major was my first listen for this piece as well, and I must say it was quite enjoyable.
I also heard almost a regression in style, which does jive with the history as Brahms was a bit more classical in style, but there were great changes in this piece that were really that were excellent. The 3rd movement seemed to me to be the strongest.
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Bach |
There were some great melodies played by the strings and that was quite enjoyable. One thing that was great to see (from the second balcony) was the chronological growth of music, from Bach (harpsichord and strings only) to Brahms, with a full accompaniment of brass and the fullness of sound that accompanied that expansion. B-etter late than never!
West Virginia Public Radio will broadcast this concert on Symphony of Ideas Friday June 12 at 1 pm and Monday June 15 at 9 pm.