For want of some objectivity
Bravo dear Despina,
What a wonderful performance. Jonathan (the accompanist) said that you were singing much better than students at the college at the end of their study.
Plenty of musicians there today and the ones I spoke to were full of praise.
I thought you might like to read a little report.
‘The overall performance showed commitment to musicality with an above average maturity in approach to interpretation. There was perfect intonation throughout with an enchanting personality displayed connecting with the audience with an arrow through their hearts. The quality of the voice was even and secure throughout the range with the dynamic range from piano to fortissimo controlled apparently effortlessly.
The programme:-
Arne and Purcell - The ornamentation was exquisitely delicate, clear and true. Phrasing was just right with an easy control.
Pergolesi - an admirable subtlety here and a beautiful line of tone. The varied dynamics were glorious with the fortissimo tones rich and unforced.
Messiah - Exactly the right approach and I loved the gentle portamento up to the top note which was repeated exactly the second time.
Mozart Exultate. The exultation was there to see and hear. This was thrilling and the low notes were round, rich and secure.
Faure - Your love for this showed and you cast exactly the right mood. This was very moving.
Rinaldo. A lovely line of tonality moving from note to note with a musical and graceful phrasing.
The Mozart, The Porgi amor was poised and beautifully sung but I could see a Suzanna rather than a Countess.
Deh vieni - Absolutely the right sound and characterisation, exquisitely sung and very convincing.
In uomini - Again the characterisation was just delightful and absolutely right.
O mio babbino caro - The appealing nature of this was pitched perfectly and then in the Quando m’en vo you charmed the pants off all the men!! This was utterly charming and delightful. The lady next to me said ‘Carmen?
Dvorak, -The language convinced. This was a lovely soaring melodic line of sound. Those low B flats so round and easy.
Well done Despina.
Now Jonathan. I think the audience - who were expecting great things from you anyway -had a shock and surprise listening to the Chopin. I think he made himself a few friends today. I am no judge of pianists but the performance seemed very good to me and was enjoyed by all.
Lots of love.
PS I loved the boy friend and I was delighted that people thought I was your mum. Ah!!!
Sound files! Post sound files!
Comment by John — November 14, 2007 @ 5:59 am
Yes! Sound files please! Some of my favourite repertoire in there!
Comment by concertmaster — November 14, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Well done!!
So happy for you :-)
That’s the way to go, girl!
xxx
Comment by Vivien — November 14, 2007 @ 11:28 am
Despina you are a princess. A beautiful little songbird.
Comment by princesse — November 14, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Oh I’m so pleased for you :)
Next question - when am I gonna see you?!?!
xxx
Comment by mags — November 14, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
Wow. Sounds amazing. You have to post some sounds. I’d love to hear you.
Comment by Jo Beaufoix — November 15, 2007 @ 1:49 pm