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We certainly do take excellent music-making for
granted in this community. How else to explain a less-than-full house
for a recital of four works by an acknowledged master of chamber music
in celebration of his 250th birthday as performed by five local
exceptional musicians, three of them members of the Cleveland
Orchestra? And with no parking fee and no admission fee, either?
We’re spoiled here, no doubt about it.
Those in attendance Tuesday evening at Drinko Recital Hall at
Cleveland State University heard an absolutely marvelous recital – one
that inhabitants of other cities would have paid mucho bucks to hear,
and been grateful for the privilege. Angelin Chang is head of keyboard
studies and professor of piano at CSU, where she is also coordinator
for chamber music, and she puts together some exceptional programs,
with equally exceptional performers. The four gentlemen who appeared
with her are all on the faculty of CSU—an indication of the quality of
education available at this urban State-supported university.
Sean Gabriel is a busy free-lance flutist who joined Dr. Chang for two
early Sonatas by Mozart, which were originally written for violin, and
in contrast to the usual sonata structure, have only two movements
each. The Sonata in A Major, K.12 and its mate in B-flat Major, K. 15
were both bright and chipper little pieces, indicative of the youth of
the composer. There was nothing juvenile or amateurish about either,
however, in structure or actual performance. In the former work, there
was a beautiful slow trill engaged in by both musicians that will
linger in memory. In the latter they played tag with each other; Mr.
Gabriel’s big broad sound expertly matching the piano of Ms. Chang,
who played the entire evening with the piano lid up full, yet never
once overpowering her partners. There was a touch of Magic Flute in
the latter work, although that opera was not written until more than
25 years later.
The Piano Sonata in C Major, K. 330 followed in a marvelously
sensitive performance by Ms. Chang. It was playful and lilting and
very familiar-sounding to anyone who ever took piano lessons! Overall
this is a joyous work, but also had a bit of bite to it, when
necessary.
The second half began with the Trio in E-Flat Major, K. 498 in which
Ms. Chang was joined by Erich Eichhorn, violin and Art Klima, viola.
Long-time members of the Cleveland Orchestra, Mr. Eichhorn and Mr.
Klima are accustomed to playing together and it showed, especially in
the various dialogues between the two of them, and then in matchups
with the piano. Even in the very fast passages, the strings,
especially the viola, were clearly articulated and not at all murky.
The rondo was taken at a truly brisk tempo, generating an equally
brisk response from the audience.
Cellist Bryan Dumm (also from the Cleveland Orchestra) joined the trio
for the Quartet in g minor, K. 478. In spite of the minor key, the
players appeared to be having a great deal of fun in this performance,
as all wore smiles throughout. They took turns matching the strings
against the piano, in what could almost be called conversation. After
a solo piano introduction, there were gorgeous harmonics at the
beginning of the Andante and an invigorating tempo was taken
throughout the final Allegro Moderato.
A reception was held at the conclusion of the recital, in which all
the participants happily chatted with friends and guests. It was a
wonderful birthday party! Angelin Chang will present another recital
on March 27, 2007. If past performances are any indication, it’ll be
another very special event. For more information, write to her at:
angelinchang@gmail.com or visit the CSU site: www.csuohio.edu
--Kelly Ferjutz |
