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Back rooms of bars are not exactly known for classical piano recitals but in the case of barbes, a bar and performance space in Park Slope of Brooklyn, classical piano recitals mix in with jazz, slavic soul, cumbia, and other assorted musical goings on. The series "The Upright Piano Brigade" features pianists every Tuesday. On this occasion, pianist Tanya Bannister performed an imaginative program by giving a fresh look to such standards as the Chopin 4th Ballade and Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata while also treating the audience to such lesser heard work as a Sophia Gubaidalina's Chaconne and Leos Janacek's In the Mists. A mazurka by Polish/American composer Jan Radzynski and "El Puerto" from Iberia by Albeniz added more ethnic color to the program.
Because she performed on an upright piano, I was not sure what to expect. A somewhat tinny sound and some distinct out-of-tuneness were obvious in some pieces but almost negligible in others. I had performed the Janacek many years ago and have always had a special fondness for the very original and personal, yet very appealing, work. Throughout the program, Ms. Bannister's thoughtfulness was evident. For example, the coda of Chopin's 4th Ballade in the hands of many pianists sounds like the sonic equivalent of scrambled eggs. She brought out musical details that so many rush over without losing the hair-raising excitement it can engender. She performed the "Moonlight" as it should be performed, as one creating sounds that had never been heard before. Her sensitivity to harmony and sub-phrasing were keys to her success. The sound of the piano actually made the first movement sound especially interesting.
The Gubaidulina Chaconne is one of those "made for competition pieces" in that it requires tremendous technical dexterity, a wide palette of colors and touches and moments of poetic sensitivity. In her introductory comments she noted that she was introduced to Ms. Gubaidulina's music in a "trial by fire" at a festival in Spain where she had to perform many different works by the composer with the composer present. And she had no previous acquaintance with her works!
Events such as this prove that you can never tell where you will hear wonderful music. Sometimes the most unlikely surroundings offer the greatest rewards.
Thanks, barbes!
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