This is one of my favourite slower works by Rachmaninoff. I first learned it way back in my university days and played it at a few concerts. Recently, I relearned it to share with my students for our annual Christmas recital. Its main theme is so beautiful, especially when Rachmaninoff adds the sparkling descant figure in the top voice on the second page. I love the fullness of the return to the A section; it could almost be part of a slow movement from one of his concertos.
Tag Archives: Recital
Growing Strong: The 2018 Christmas Recital
For the first time the studio needed to find a new space for its annual Christmas recital. The comfy family room area of my home was no longer able to fit everyone because we just keep on growing in size! (pun intended) Fortunately, a church well known for its rich musical community, Harcourt United Church near downtown Guelph, was happy to accommodate us in its lovely sanctuary. Students could breathe a sigh of relief and invite whomever they wished, no longer having to worry about limited space.
Springtime Sounds
Today students from the studio congregated to share some of the pieces they’ve been learning this spring. With summer around the corner it was an opportunity to bask in the warm glow of beautiful piano music. From Yankee Doodle to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, the audience was serenaded by music from many time periods and places.
A Very Laid Back Christmas Recital
On Sunday, December 10 2017 my studio held its very first recital in the comfort of our large walk-out basement area. With the fire roaring in the background early attendees sang Christmas carols as we broke out into a spontaneous singalong while waiting for everyone to arrive.