IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE...
Hanns F Skoutajan
“And he plays the piano good,
like a real piano player should:
Horowitz, hear, hear!”
It wasn’t Vladimir Horowitz, (1903 - 1989) who “ tinkled the ivories” at Southminster United Church last Wednesday noon, but Mauro Bertoli, a young Italian born pianist. He played on the beautiful Heintzman, a 9 foot concert grand, built in 1905 that for many years was the stage grand at the venerable Massey Hall in downtown Toronto. Indeed, years ago Horowitz himself had played this very instrument.
Roland Graham, the organist and choirmaster of Southminster United Church in Old Ottawa South (Bank Street and the Rideau Canal), and if I dare say, “impresario,” has initiated and directed Doors Open for Music at Southminster, a Wednesday noon-hour series begun earlier this year. This fall it will comprise 11 concerts that are affordable to all, a freewill offering at the door will be appreciated.
Bartoli who has a long list of accomplishments is presently Artist-in-Residence at Carleton University. He, at an early age, has acquired an international reputation that spans his homeland, Latin America, the United Sates and Canada.
His presentation on Wednesday in my estimation rivals any piano concert that I have attended. It was a wide-ranging repertoire from Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), the Intermezzo and concluded with George Gershwin’s (1898 - 19370) inimitable Rhapsody in Blue. Schumann and Liszt were also part of his outstanding performance.
But what brought me to my feet with loud “Wows:” and “Bravos” was his rendition of Allegro da Concerto by Enrique Granados (1867 - 1916). I hurried to acquire his disc containing that performance after the show.
Speaking to Graham after the concert which by the way brought 150 people to Southminster’s hard pews, I marvelled at the rich resources of musical talent that is found in Ottawa and indeed across Canada. We are much more than “hewers of wood and haulers of water” or the modern equivalent thereof. Roland’s concerts showcase much talent giving young artist an opportunity to be appreciated.
Granted, these are short concerts, more than hors d’oeuvres but a little less filling than a main course, enough to introduce you to performers and music, some familiar and others a pleasant and surprising introduction to “now for something entirely new.” If Mauro Bartoli’s concert presages what is to come then my outburst of “wows” at last week’s concert should be prolonged throughout the season. All of this proves that Ottawa isn’t an entirely boring government town but indeed is rich in culture.
Across the country and abroad as well, churches have taken on the role of concert hall There is nothing new in that. Even in the Middle Ages cathedrals hosted musical events, granted most of them were of a “sacred” nature, but then that‘s what most music was about What better place for that Food of Love than a house of worship. Rejoice in this rich heritage. Enjoy and support it!
SQ 27/09/2013
Addendum:
For those in the Ottawa area who are able to take advantage of these concert the following is the line up of performances until Christmas:
Next week, October 2,Peter Woods, saxophone and Brian Browne, piano, will make the case for Jazz in Sacred Spaces, that is music in the modern vein to enhance Christian worship.
In the following weeks there will be Lunchtime Lieder with Laurent Deleuil, baritone accompanied by Justine Pelletier on the piano. On subsequent midweek concerts our wanderlust will be spirited by Vaughan William’s Songs of Travel with Jeff Boyd accompanied by Graham himself. Other exciting presentations will be Come Dance With Me played on the piano by Katarzyna Musial, (Oct. 23).
Graham has chosen from his own choir a chamber group to sing Palestrina’s Missa Papea Marcelli ( Oct. 30).
From Vienna, one of my favourite cities and my father’s birthplace, to Paris, my wife’s favourite city, will feature a piano duet of Ioulia Blinova and Ruby Jin, (Nov. 13).
On November 8 Carolina Leonardelli will perform Paysages on harp which is sure to be enjoyed.
For a total change of pace look forward to Nov 20 to thrill to Mike Essoudry, Francois Gravel and Linsey Wellman, percussion, piano and woodwind.
The second last in this years series , Nov. 27, will be a Benjamin Britten Birthday Bash with Dillon Parmer, tenor, Gary Dahl, baritone and Matthew Larkin, piano.
December 4 appropriately will usher in the pre Christmas season with Advent Mysteries sung by the Southminster United Church Choir directed by Roland Graham.
