I had the unexpected and great pleasure to be the page turner for Francoise in this Doctoral Recital Preview Concert. She was playing a Sauter Concert Grand piano. The first half was all Italian pieces, and the second half was all Russian. My impression was that the order of the songs created a momentum which built and built, leaving me literally thrilled at the finish. The exquisite voice of Raluca, absolutely perfect and fully professional to my ear, was simply wonderful to listen to; I was wishing at the end that it was only half way through. And being right next to the piano gave me the best seat in the house to watch and feel the expertise of Francoise following the singing like a perfect shadow following along, as though they were completely one, even though the tempo was completely dictated and ever changing by Raluca. This gave the songs so much feeling and sensitivity. The piano music itself became more and more complex and powerful, ending with the final songs raging up and down the piano, amazing me with how accompanist music itself can be so fantastic, and yet it remained just right next to Raluca’s singing. She completely matched the power of this incredible piano step for step, and in the end I was shaking and left with tears in my eyes. Thank you, Raluca and Francoise, very much.

A native of Belarus, Dmitriy began his piano studies at the age of 6. Since coming to the United States 9 years ago, Dmitriy has participated and was a prize winner in numerous local competitions around Washington State. In 2002 Dmitriy began studying piano at the University of Washington under the guidance of Prof. Craig Sheppard. While at the University he has performed with the UW Wind ensemble. Dmitriy has received the UW Keyboard Division Scholarship five times and was the winner of the prestigious Brechemin Scholarship twice. In 2005 he was a finalist and in 2006 he was the first prize winner in the UW Annual Concerto Competition, which was followed by the performance with the UW Symphony Orchestra in January 2007 under the guidance of Maestro Peter Eros. In June 2007 Dmitriy received his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts Degrees in piano performance and is currently working on his Masters Degree at the University of Washington. Dmitriy has taught piano for the past 8 years and in his teaching, he pays a very special attention to technique, musicality and expression, and music history/theory among many other aspects.

At our Saturday recital, I attended an evening of delightful music played by pianist Clifford Robinson; and songs sung by daughters Emma (17) and Danee (15).  The recital began with a passionate rendition of Chopin’s Ballades No. 3 and No. 4.  Mr. Robinson, a capable musician, handled the nine foot Sauter Concert Grand with passion and lyricism.  Chopin’s music was warm and clearly enjoyable to all those attending.  Students of Professor Thomas Harper of the University of Washington faculty, Emma and Danee performed solos and duets selected from music from the classics to contemporary literature.  Emma’s rich soprano voice complemented her sister’s clear and accurate lyric soprano voice in two spectacular duets arranged by their father (“Si Volvieras a mi” and “When You Believe”) as well as solo works by “Barber”, “Brahms”, “Haydn”,  and “Copeland” performing in German, Spanish, and English. Also part of the program was a rendition of “May It Be” from movie entitled “Lord of the Rings”. The hour was enjoyable and we look forward to hearing from the Robinson family again.

This last Saturday, I attended George Fiore’s performance Chopin’s work at the “Northwest Pianos Saturday” periodic recital. At 82, Fiore exhibited an impeccable technique, an uncommon lyrical playing style; a wide dynamic range varying from a masculine strength of his forte to the subtlest delicate pianissimo. In short, it was a magical two-hour program performed all from memory. The experience was of intense warmth; perfectly comfortable, that is music at his best.Fiore’s interpretation was based on his analytical understanding of Chopin’s musical structure. His anecdotes brought clarity to the music as he freely elaborated on Chopin’s settings. He reached out to the younger children and adults alike. Fiore was in constant contact with his audience, responding to questions, playing requested compositions and commenting on historical vignettes.Northwest Pianos provided a nineteenth century vintage Steinway C totally rebuilt for this occasion. The beauty of the instrument and of the sound emerging from Fiore’s superb musicianship created the ideal musical evening,Do it again, Mr. Fiore;do it again, Northwest pianos.