Concert Review—

Harmonies And Memories From Los Angeles Piano Quartet

By June S. April

Three Es describe the performance of the Los Angeles Piano Quartet: eloquent, exhilarating and evocative. In part, because of the enthusiastic reception last year, these energetic musicians were invited back by Newtown Friends of Music to offer another concert at Edmond Town Hall, which took place last Sunday afternoon.

The choice of music for the November 16 program was selected with some “encouraging input” from the 17-year president of the organization, Ellen Parrella. The repertoire for piano quartets is fairly limited, and prospective performers offer NFoM a list of musical options they can do for a concert.

“We had never heard Ernest Chausson’s Quartet in A Major, Opus 30,” Mrs Parrella explained. “Although it is well known that it is a most strenuous piece to perform, I knew they would do it marvelously.”

She was so right. With the Chausson along with the melodically beautiful Quartet in E-flat Major, Opus 47 by Robert Schumann and the inspiring (yet unfinished) Trio for Strings in B-flat Major, D. 471, it was a most memorable and harmonious concert.

All four musicians demonstrated flawless technique and sensitivity to the nuances of each of the pieces they played. Blending seamlessly as a musical unit is also a trademark of this quartet. Debuting in Los Angeles 26 years ago they are today considered one of this country’s finest piano quartets.

The group entered the international music scene in 1986 at the Cheltenham Festival and continues to appear at such prestigious Europeon halls as Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Rome’s St. Cecilia.

Pianist Xak Bjerken was thoroughly absorbed in his playing and the music. At the same time he was connected to the subtle musical signals of violinist Michi Wiancko. His technical skills, wonderfully controlled touch and dynamic shadings combine to present a very obvious talent.

Winner of the 2002 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, the violinist Michi Wiancko continues to attain glowing reviews for her fine artistry. Beginning her study of the violin at age 3, Ms Wiancko continued her studies at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music, and is finishing her Master’s Degree at The Julliard School in New York City. Many awards have been garnered in competitions and she is looking forward to appearing at Carnegie Hall this season, as a soloist.

Peter Rejto continues the legacy of exceptional cellists. His father, the late Hungarian cellist Gabor Rejto, was his first teacher. Mr Rejto continued in master classes with such illustrious performers as Pablo Casals, Gregor Piatigorsky and Pierre Fourier. He plays on a Montagnana cello that was made in Venice in 1721, which only serves to augment the exquisite technique that shines in all he plays.

The joy of playing the viola is evident in the smiling face of Katherine Murdock’s face. She was clearly elated with the beauty of the music and the quartet’s playing of Chausson’s work at Sunday’s concert.

So was the audience.