Horn, Piano, and Donkey: A Recital of Nuanced Expression
The lunchtime concert series at [venue] has consistently demonstrated a commitment to showcasing innovative music, and the latest offering from horn player Ben Goldscheider and pianist Richard Uttley was no exception. The duo's thoughtful programming choice yielded a sonorous and satisfying performance that left the audience in awe.
Their repertoire began with Schumann's Three Fantasiestücke, Op 73, a piece typically associated with clarinet or cello players. However, Goldscheider's horn proved to be an ideal fit for the Romantic-era composition, allowing the full range of Schumann's emotional depth to shine through. The chemistry between Goldscheider and Uttley was palpable, as if each musician was attuned to the other in a way that transcended mere technical proficiency.
The duo's commission from Simon Holt, "The Bell," offered an arresting opening that gradually gave way to a dynamic dialogue between the instruments. The glistening bell-like sounds of Holt's keyboard served as the perfect foil to Goldscheider's rich horn phrases, while the final clarion statement in the piece felt like a defiant flourish.
Oliver Leith's "Eeyore" brought a touch of humor to the program, with its soulful and lugubrious take on the beloved donkey character. The performance was marked by affectionate mockery, rather than actual ridicule, and the musical argument was consistently sustained throughout the four-section work.
The set also featured Scriabin's Romance for Horn and Piano, an early work that showcased the composer's passion and promise. Esa-Pekka Salonen's "Horn Music 1" provided a dynamic interpretation, with an extended horn solo bringing added flair to the piece.
At its heart was Mahler's "Urlicht," a piece that Goldscheider played with a touch of magic. The translation "Primordial Light" seemed fitting for the anonymous poet's longing for illumination. As Uttley accompanied him on piano, the performance unfolded with expressive lines and a lambent glow that left the audience deeply moved.
Throughout the recital, it was clear that Goldscheider and Uttley were more than just two musicians working together – they were two musical souls, equally attuned to each other's sensibilities. The program served as a testament to their partnership, showcasing a nuanced understanding of music that was both sonorous and satisfying.
The lunchtime concert series at [venue] has consistently demonstrated a commitment to showcasing innovative music, and the latest offering from horn player Ben Goldscheider and pianist Richard Uttley was no exception. The duo's thoughtful programming choice yielded a sonorous and satisfying performance that left the audience in awe.
Their repertoire began with Schumann's Three Fantasiestücke, Op 73, a piece typically associated with clarinet or cello players. However, Goldscheider's horn proved to be an ideal fit for the Romantic-era composition, allowing the full range of Schumann's emotional depth to shine through. The chemistry between Goldscheider and Uttley was palpable, as if each musician was attuned to the other in a way that transcended mere technical proficiency.
The duo's commission from Simon Holt, "The Bell," offered an arresting opening that gradually gave way to a dynamic dialogue between the instruments. The glistening bell-like sounds of Holt's keyboard served as the perfect foil to Goldscheider's rich horn phrases, while the final clarion statement in the piece felt like a defiant flourish.
Oliver Leith's "Eeyore" brought a touch of humor to the program, with its soulful and lugubrious take on the beloved donkey character. The performance was marked by affectionate mockery, rather than actual ridicule, and the musical argument was consistently sustained throughout the four-section work.
The set also featured Scriabin's Romance for Horn and Piano, an early work that showcased the composer's passion and promise. Esa-Pekka Salonen's "Horn Music 1" provided a dynamic interpretation, with an extended horn solo bringing added flair to the piece.
At its heart was Mahler's "Urlicht," a piece that Goldscheider played with a touch of magic. The translation "Primordial Light" seemed fitting for the anonymous poet's longing for illumination. As Uttley accompanied him on piano, the performance unfolded with expressive lines and a lambent glow that left the audience deeply moved.
Throughout the recital, it was clear that Goldscheider and Uttley were more than just two musicians working together – they were two musical souls, equally attuned to each other's sensibilities. The program served as a testament to their partnership, showcasing a nuanced understanding of music that was both sonorous and satisfying.