Last year I suffered from stress-related anxiety problems. Since then I've been exploring ways to help myself with the aid of a few stress management/stress reduction courses. So far, so good. One thing I have tried is to go to a concert with no expectations of myself. Somehow, I think I'd fallen into the trap of thinking about what I would write from a concert experience, therefore missing out on being really in the moment. I've tried writing no notes, taking no photos, doing no prior research (sometimes avoiding programme notes), nor listening, leading to some reflections on the recent round of concerts that I've attended.
Last week, 11th March, I attended a celebratory event 'A Life in Music: Celebrating Dame Fanny Waterman' at University of Leeds. The event comprised an extract from Dame Fanny's personal archives (recently donated to the University), a conversation and a concert. The archive documents looked really interesting and there were lots of curiosities - Dame Fanny's judging notes, newspaper clips from some of her early concerts in the 1940s, photos, letters and more. The librarian on duty explained that nothing has yet been catalogued (and there are over 50 boxes of items) so when and where any archive documents will next surface...?
The conversation between Dame Fanny and former pupil was interesting and humorous - her autobiography would definitely be worth reading.
Federico Colli had been scheduled to perform the afternoon recital, but was indisposed and Leon McCawley stepped in at the last moment. The programme was: Haydn (Piano Sonata in C minor, HXVI:20); Hans Gál (Three Preludes Op. 65); Chopin (2 Nocturnes Op. 37); Beethoven (32 Variations C minor, WoO80).
Leon was amazing. I regularly attend recitals by good artists, but this recital demonstrated the difference between a good pianist and an exceptional pianist. The Gál preludes were really interesting, with floating melodies over burbling harmony. By far the best performed pieces were the Chopin preludes - absolutely amazing, movement and stillness and contemplation. The recital is available on Livestream.
Going back a few weeks to a completely on spec gig at The Live Room, Saltaire to see Railsplitters. I knew nothing about them, had heard no music - attending on the recommendation of friends. Turned out to be a really good evening, with two distinct halves - relaxed then more bouncy Friday-night vibes. Railsplitters are a fun bluegrass/roots/different band from Colorado - definitely worth a listen.
A few weeks before that, and back in Skipton Town Hall for an evening recital by Arcus Quartet. From the Royal College of Music, the Arcus Quartet are developing a name and a reputation with performances in high class venues. The programme consisted of Haydn, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn. By far the standout piece was Shostakovich - String Quartet No. 7 in F sharp minor, Op. 108. Written as a memorial to Shostakovich's wife Nina, the three movements are a short, sharp exclamation of pain, loss and farewell. The Arcus Quartet performed this piece as a much tigher unit than the other quartets on the programme - clearly a favourite of theirs and it showed in their superb performance.
Postscript to an excellent Friday lunchtime concert - Tchaikovsky Piano Trio performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Trio in A minor Op.50. A big piece, it took up almost a full hour! Not a piece I have heard before so it's now on my further listening list, but an excellent performance.
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