Monday, April 20, 2009

An Evening Of Chamber Music

The girlfriend invited me out for dinner and a wonderful evening with T'ang Quartet and guest Albert Tiu on the piano.

I didn't exactly read up on the pieces to be performed, so I expected a mellow night. When I sat down and scanned the performance pieces, I was quite excited. The second half of the evening with Albert Tiu promised to be sizzling with the chosen pieces from Astor Piazzolla.

The second half completely wowed the audience. I was blown away. When I listen to music, I conjure up dance moves in my mind, be it classical, indie or pop. Tonight, I had entrechat six and grand pas de deux in rhythm to Hadyn's String Quartet in G Major (Op 77 No.1). I was a little lost when Maurice Ravel took stage with his String Quartet in F Major. I'm not completely sure why, but it conjured up images of the Mongolian steppes and Scottish hillside. The girlfriend and I quietly muttered about not being able to understand Impressionist composers. When Tango Ballet came on, I really enjoyed the sound of the piano that emphasized and layered with the strings. I imagined powerful movements of grand échappé sur les pointes and grand jeté en avant intertwined with classic tango.

It was such an enjoyable evening with great company and 2.5 hours (+ 3 encores) of lovely vibrant classical music delivered by musicians of the highest calibre. We had the most yummy dinner at you-know-where. Bread was ordered solely to sample the delectable butter again. Naturally, the night ended with a peaty note on 18.y.o Glenlivet and Macallan.

What's there not to like about this Monday?

2 comments:

jazzgal said...

most civilzed indeed. that is typical of ravel. he conjures up grand mindscapes and using alof ot asian influences in his compositions.

imp said...

jazzgal: ah. you would know! HEH. think u'd have enjoyed it too. u haven't heard them for a bit right?