April Cadenza Recital

The April Cadenza Recital at Joan Magagna’s beautiful Bethesda home was a wonderful afternoon of musical sharing and warm camaraderie among members. The program offered an engaging variety of styles and moods, from the elegance of Bach and Mozart to the rich Romantic lyricism of Mendelssohn, Brahms, Beach, and Schubert, along with the distinctive colors of Poulenc and Respighi. We were also treated to Joan Magagna’s own original work, Sleepwalking, which added a special personal dimension to the afternoon.

Each performer brought both artistry and individuality to the music. Mark opened the recital with expressive selections from Bach’s Partita II in C minor. Richard followed with a compelling contrast between Mozart’s dramatic Fantasia in D minor and the lyrical warmth of Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words. Carol captured the wit, charm, and introspective qualities of Poulenc in two beautifully shaped works, while Raye delivered a thoughtful and expressive performance of Brahms’ Ballade in D minor. Tom offered an evocative pairing of Joan Magagna’s Sleepwalking and Respighi’s Notturno. Joan’s performance of Amy Beach’s Barcarolle was graceful and beautifully flowing, and Amy brought the afternoon to a lively conclusion with Schubert’s radiant Sonata in A Major. 

Most importantly, the recital reflected the spirit that makes Cadenza gatherings so meaningful: the opportunity to perform in a supportive setting, explore a wide range of repertoire, and encourage one another’s continuing musical growth. Many thanks to Joan for graciously hosting us and to all performers for sharing their music and dedication. The afternoon was both inspiring and enjoyable.

Program