On September 10, a nice mild day, I trekked out to the Music Building with my roommate and best friend Rachel. My music teacher had assigned my class a concert report and I had decided to attend an undergraduate piano recital in order to complete my assignment. Rachel was in tow because she loves these sorts of things. Music of almost any sort is appreciated by her, and I was hoping some of her excitement would rub off on me. Plus it didn't hurt to have her musical knowledge by my side. I went into the concert feeling rather ambivalent. I was not particularly expecting to dislike it, but being the impatient person that I am, I knew that if it did not grab my attention in the beginning, I would soon be zoned out. Fortunately, the concert was an absolute delight, and I left in envy of the talent of the players.
Rachel and I walked into the concert hall and sat down in some seats a few rows from the front. The hall was big and imposing. It was decorated with what looked like organ pipes of different lengths, some stretching to the ceiling. There were big green velvet curtains draped across the back of the stage. The room produced a serious mood, so we spoke in whispers as we waited for the event to begin. A few other people were scattered among the rows. It became evident later that most personally knew the performers and were there to support them. A few were there to write a report, as I was. Soon enough, the lights dimmed and the show began. The recital consisted of six soloists, each playing a piece of their choice. Right from the first few notes played by the first performer, it was evident that it was going to be a talent filled show. I watched as the first pianist threw himself into the piece; moving with the notes as they traveled up and down. His passion for music was clearly evident. I discovered that each of the performers were like this. Though some were more reserved than others, it was undoubted that each was doing what he or she loved.
I had expected going into the recital that the performers would be quite talented. One does not participate in a university music program without a wee bit of talent. However, all of the performers exceeded my expectations. I was thoroughly impressed with not only their skill, but also their obvious love for what they were doing. My favorite part of the concert was the last performer, John Livingston. He played Sonata in A Minor, Opus 143 composed by Franz Schubert. He brought such incredible life to the piece. The piece was exciting enough on its own, with its great leaps in between notes and a wide range in dynamics. It kept you entertained from start to finish. However, Livingston's performance was what made it unforgettable. He immersed himself into the piece and I watched in awe as his fingers flew across the keys with speed and ease. He received a great deal of applause when he finished and I felt as if I owed it to him to jump up on stage and thank him for such wonderful performance.
Attending the piano recital was an enriching experience. I loved it, and Rachel adored it as I knew she would. Although I may have never ventured out to see it if it had not been for my assignment, it is something that I would do again. I am very glad I went.
Rachel and I walked into the concert hall and sat down in some seats a few rows from the front. The hall was big and imposing. It was decorated with what looked like organ pipes of different lengths, some stretching to the ceiling. There were big green velvet curtains draped across the back of the stage. The room produced a serious mood, so we spoke in whispers as we waited for the event to begin. A few other people were scattered among the rows. It became evident later that most personally knew the performers and were there to support them. A few were there to write a report, as I was. Soon enough, the lights dimmed and the show began. The recital consisted of six soloists, each playing a piece of their choice. Right from the first few notes played by the first performer, it was evident that it was going to be a talent filled show. I watched as the first pianist threw himself into the piece; moving with the notes as they traveled up and down. His passion for music was clearly evident. I discovered that each of the performers were like this. Though some were more reserved than others, it was undoubted that each was doing what he or she loved.
I had expected going into the recital that the performers would be quite talented. One does not participate in a university music program without a wee bit of talent. However, all of the performers exceeded my expectations. I was thoroughly impressed with not only their skill, but also their obvious love for what they were doing. My favorite part of the concert was the last performer, John Livingston. He played Sonata in A Minor, Opus 143 composed by Franz Schubert. He brought such incredible life to the piece. The piece was exciting enough on its own, with its great leaps in between notes and a wide range in dynamics. It kept you entertained from start to finish. However, Livingston's performance was what made it unforgettable. He immersed himself into the piece and I watched in awe as his fingers flew across the keys with speed and ease. He received a great deal of applause when he finished and I felt as if I owed it to him to jump up on stage and thank him for such wonderful performance.
Attending the piano recital was an enriching experience. I loved it, and Rachel adored it as I knew she would. Although I may have never ventured out to see it if it had not been for my assignment, it is something that I would do again. I am very glad I went.
