Concert Review—

Special Gifts From NFoM And Its Supporters

By June April

It was a special gift indeed to hear the very talented pianist Anna Grinberg perform last Sunday at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown.  A student at Yale School of Music, Ms Grinberg is in her second year of graduate studies in New Haven under the inspiring mentor and pianist, Boris Berman.

Ms Grinberg already has an impressive background that includes studies in Israel and Belgium, as well as recognition of her abilities in the form of numerous awards and scholarships. Her October 22 concert was impressive, with her greatest skills being the clarity of her touch and the subtle passions of her dynamics.

With the opening selection a work by Mozart, his Piano Sonata in C, K.330, a realization came immediately that here was a talent with great potential. Ms Grinberg’s touch verges on elegant, and her connection to the music is so very evident in her body movements (which this reviewer might add, were not at all theatrical).

Rather than the more lengthy Sechs Kleine Klavierstucke, Opus 19 by Arnold Schoenberg, Ms Grinberg chose instead to do Opus 23. It was a short, mystical work that was exquisitely performed.

The highlight of the afternoon was the final offering, a composition by Franz Schubert. Wander Fantasie in C, Opus 15 D 760 fulfilled the intent of young Schubert in that it embodied the rich sonority of a full orchestra sans all other instruments. It was written, in theory, as a four-movement work, but it is performed without pauses between the musical segments.

Ms Grinberg’s performance, last weekend’s inaugural “Præludium Recital,” represented the first time a new performance has been added to the schedule of Newtown Friends of Music. Dedicated subscribers Mr and Mrs William F. Meyer have underwritten the unique offering. The innovative consideration of offering such a performance by an outstanding graduate student offers an exciting opportunity for both artist and audience.

Generosity of monies, time and talent has long been an integral part of the Newtown Friends of Music tradition. Mary Hawley was the godmother for what is enjoyed so much today. She had Edmond Town Hall built (the building was named for Miss Hawley’s great-grandfather, Judge William Edmond), and then provided the concert grand piano upon which many well-known artists have performed.

The Knabe is over thirty years old. Keeping to the standards of excellence set by NFoM, the piano was fully restored 12 years ago. It is tuned before every concert by the respected piano tuner David Tyrrell.

The next performance sponsored by Newtown Friends of Music will be a return performance by Ying String Quartet on November 19. To be further celebrated, the group of musicians will be the first to go into schools and offer Newtown High School students their musical knowledge and skills. This is another new addition to the roster of sponsorship by NFoM this season. The new program is interesting because it will be inclusive, bringing the studies of  English, history and social studies together with the world of music. The awareness of links of life is truly what education is about.

Bravo to Anna Grinberg for a fine debut performance in Newtown, and additional kudos to Newtown Friends of Music for the organization’s continuing determination to bring music into the lives of people.