Drew Steanson - piano
Wagner arr. Liszt
Parsifal, March to the Holy Grail
Liszt
Piano Sonata in B minor
This was a lunchtime recital at St Bride’s church, Fleet Street.
What a lovely oasis of calm in the middle of the London hurly burly St Brides is. About 10 yards off Fleet street, it has a spacious area outside with plenty of benches for contemplation, sandwich eating, or to enjoy the excellent coffee sold from his mobile store by Kieran, a charming Irishman, who will be getting my custom again before too long.
The church is a lovely space for a recital. The piano was placed about half way down the nave, allowing a modest but respectably sized audience to be very close to the performer. The piano made a splendid sound, with just a hint of distortion in the very highest registers.
Drew introduced the programme, drawing attention to the spiritual aspects of the Wagner, and how he wanted the programme to flow from one piece into the other without applause, allowing the Wagner transcription to prepare us for the start of the Liszt.
Drew, who came over as a sensitive and emotionally involved pianist, gave us a fine performance of both pieces. His introduction certainly helped with insight into the Wagner. The Liszt was a powerful and moving performance. I’ve not heard this performed live previously, and Drew’s performance brought out much that isn’t always obvious in recordings. In particular the rising and falling theme that runs like a thread through the piece, was emphasised in a way that helped create a strong sense of continuity and strength.
Drew is a third year undergraduate at the Guildhall School, and a Hampshire boy to boot, so no doubt he has a fine career ahead of him. I don’t normally provide details of apparel for male performers, ( since they are usually not of interest unless Monsieur Thibaudet is on stage,) but today Drew was resplendent in Red trousers, which displays a fine sense of inner confidence, for sure!
Wagner arr. Liszt
Parsifal, March to the Holy Grail
Liszt
Piano Sonata in B minor
This was a lunchtime recital at St Bride’s church, Fleet Street.
What a lovely oasis of calm in the middle of the London hurly burly St Brides is. About 10 yards off Fleet street, it has a spacious area outside with plenty of benches for contemplation, sandwich eating, or to enjoy the excellent coffee sold from his mobile store by Kieran, a charming Irishman, who will be getting my custom again before too long.
The church is a lovely space for a recital. The piano was placed about half way down the nave, allowing a modest but respectably sized audience to be very close to the performer. The piano made a splendid sound, with just a hint of distortion in the very highest registers.
Drew introduced the programme, drawing attention to the spiritual aspects of the Wagner, and how he wanted the programme to flow from one piece into the other without applause, allowing the Wagner transcription to prepare us for the start of the Liszt.
Drew, who came over as a sensitive and emotionally involved pianist, gave us a fine performance of both pieces. His introduction certainly helped with insight into the Wagner. The Liszt was a powerful and moving performance. I’ve not heard this performed live previously, and Drew’s performance brought out much that isn’t always obvious in recordings. In particular the rising and falling theme that runs like a thread through the piece, was emphasised in a way that helped create a strong sense of continuity and strength.
Drew is a third year undergraduate at the Guildhall School, and a Hampshire boy to boot, so no doubt he has a fine career ahead of him. I don’t normally provide details of apparel for male performers, ( since they are usually not of interest unless Monsieur Thibaudet is on stage,) but today Drew was resplendent in Red trousers, which displays a fine sense of inner confidence, for sure!
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