The audience at Chevy Chase House has grown over the years. On Saturday, August 17th, there were 30 residents (and one dog) listening intently to our music. This recital’s program included five pianists, a violinist, a French Horn player, and a classical guitarist. Because of a family emergency however, the guitarist was unable to attend. Nevertheless, adjustments were made and Chris Witsberger graciously volunteered to utilize the extra time. After a brief introduction about the AMSF, the recital began promptly at 4:00 p.m. with pianist Austin Blair.
Austin’s first piece was Prelude in Gb Major Op. 16, No. 3 by Russian composer, Alexander Scriabin (1872–1915). His second piece was “The Solitary Fir Tree” Op. 75, No. 2 from Five Pieces: The Trees by Jean Sibelius (1865–1957), a Finnish composer of the late Romantic period. Austin tends to unearth musical gems in his quest to widen his repertoire. He recently learned these two pieces and played both with great depth of feeling. He seamlessly sailed through the six flats of the Scriabin and rose to the occasion to present a calming and flawless rendition of the Sibelius.
The next performer, Kit Chan, broke her right-hand wrist back in April. After surgery and months of recuperation, Kit was back in the saddle. Fortunately, with the French Horn, the right hand is not as critical and is placed in the bell of the instrument mainly for support. Kit was therefore still able to play. She did justice to the Fuga KV 443 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791), and easily filled the room with the unique velvety sound of her horn.
AMSF veterans, Tom and Raye Haug, performed next. Both chose selections from The Seasons by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893). Tom played “June” and Raye played “July.” Tom played first and added another well-known piece by George Gershwin (1898–1937) called “Summertime” from the opera Porgy and Bess. This piece is always a favorite with the residents, especially with Tom’s nuanced touch. Raye followed with “July” and a second piece by American trumpeter Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) called “What a Wonderful World,” which had the residents singing along.
Violinist Stephanie Dailey, performed two pieces from the epic 1972 movie The Godfather. They were “The Godfather Waltz” and “Love Theme from The Godfather” by Italian composer and pianist Nino Rota (1911–1979). Taking full advantage of technology, she supported both pieces with Bluetooth wireless accompaniment as she played the melody. Stephanie made her violin sing and rendered a beautiful lilting waltz followed by a nostalgic love theme that put warm smiles on the faces of the residents.
Alberto Gamez was the second pianist to choose the great Austrian composer Mozart, whose full name he told us was in fact Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart! Alberto played the theme and nine of the 12 variations from “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman.” Mozart’s genius was on full display as he skillfully utilized changes in tempo, rhythm, and key (even adopting the minor mode) to produce the delightful variations while leaving no doubt that the melody was the world-recognized nursery rhyme “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Alberto handled the music admirably as his nimble fingers danced across the keys.
Chris Witsberger closed the program with two pieces by German composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847). Chris’ knowledge about the composer was impressive as she explained that Mendelssohn was prolific and started composing in his teens, and that he also studied both philosophy and art. Her two pieces were Venetian Gondola Song Op. 30, No. 6 and Andante Espressivo in Eb major Op. 30, No. 1 (nicknamed “Contemplation”), both from Lieder Ohne Worte (Songs Without Words). Chris was so musically expressive that both pieces created a serene and relaxed atmosphere as she played. She obviously understood the intent of the composer.
The music selections in this program seemed to have touched many hearts. After the recital, several residents interacted with the performers and voiced their appreciation, some with tears in their eyes. They were so inspired that one resident, Bonnie Boekeloo, wanted to join the AMSF! Bonnie plays the piano. Another resident, Bob Carr, wanted his two adult children to join. He wrote down all the information as we directed both he and Bonnie to the AMSF website and explained the membership requirements. The abundant talent displayed in this recital generated a response that is always very encouraging to the performers as they reap the immediate rewards of Community Outreach.