Though Raphael House in Rockville is a smaller venue, performing there is just as exciting. On Saturday, May 17th, seven AMSF members came prepared to entertain the 16 residents seated in the Common Room. On the program were four pianists, a classical guitarist, a violinist, and a singalong. The recital started promptly at 3:30 p.m. after a brief introduction.
Pianist Alberto Gamez performed first. He played the Bagatelle in A minor known as “Fur Elise” by German Classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). The piece was written in 1810 around the time that Beethoven was considering marriage to Therese Malfatti, but it was published long after Beethoven’s death. Alberto’s meticulous attention to dynamics and tempo resulted in a beautiful presentation.
Ellen Lazarus followed with two contrasting classical guitar pieces by living composers. They were Etude No. 6 by Cuban composer and guitarist, Juan Leovigildo Brouwer Mezquida (b. 1939) and Rumba a Gatelle by French composer Theirry Tisserand (b. 1956). The Etude is one of a set of Estudios Sencillos (simple etudes) that have become a standard part of the classical guitarist’s repertoire. The Rumba presented a perfect contrast to the Etude and had everyone swaying in their seats. It is a slow ballroom dance with a binary meter rhythm in a 3+3+2 pattern. The acoustics in the small room were flattering to the soothing sound of Ellen’s confident and musical playing.
Not even tendinitis in her arms could have prevented Jodi Lipson from performing. She simply selected slower pieces and soldiered on. Jodi began with two Preludes, Op. 28, No. 6 in B minor and No. 4 in E minor by Polish composer Frederic Chopin (1810–1849). Both were short, sad, and nostalgic, and Jodi convincingly captured their mood. Her third piece was Traumerei by German composer Robert Schumann (1810–1856). Traumerei means “dreaming” in German and the piece is a part of Schumann’s “Kinderszenen” (Scenes from childhood) collection. It is meant to capture the essence of a fleeting dream which was unmistakably reflected in Jodi’s tender touch and emotive playing.
With a French theme, Stephanie Dailey came dressed for the part complete with red beret! Immediately transporting us to France with a fluent French introduction, Stephanie played three well-known classics on her violin accompanied by her Bluetooth speaker. They were “Barcarolle (Belle Nuit, O Nuit D’amour)” from the opera Tales of Hoffman and “Can Can” from the opera Orpheus in the Underworld both by Jaques Offenbach (1819–1880). Her third piece was “C’est Si Bon” (made famous by Ertha Kitt) by Henri Betti (1917–2005) and Andre Hornez (1905–1989). All three pieces were upbeat and dance-like, so much so that residents spontaneously began clapping to the beat as Stephanie played. Her selections were perfect for a sunny spring afternoon.
Continuing the French theme, Michelle Powell followed on the piano with “Panis Angelicus” (“Bread of Angels”) by French composer Cesar Franck (1822–1890). It is the penultimate stanza of the hymn “Sacris solemniis” written by Saint Thomas Aquinas for the feast of Corpus Christi. Michelle played with a sensitivity that accurately reflected its majesty. Her second piece was “Somewhere” (or “There’s a Place for Us”) from the 1957 Broadway musical West Side Story by American conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) with words by Stephen Sondheim (1930–2021). This love song was a favorite with the residents as they gently hummed along to Michelle’s lyrical playing.
Gregory Riviello was the last pianist. He first played “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen” Op. 65 No. 6 by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843–1907). Troldhaugen in Bergen, Norway was Grieg’s summer home which was named after the nearby “Valley of Trolls.” The piece was written to commemorate Grieg’s 25th wedding anniversary with his wife Nina. Gregory made the bright music come alive in the first section as he competently spanned the large chords and then easily adjusted his touch to become more reflective in the second section. His next piece was “I’ve Got Rhythm” by American composer George Gershwin (1898–1937), which was also very well received as Gregory leaned into its sprightly rhythms.
Gregory remained at the piano to accompany the final performance which was a singalong led by Carol Henry. Ellen helped to distribute the written words of the famous song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz by American composer Harold Arlen (1905–1986) with lyrics by Yip Harburg (1896–1981). It was refreshing to see that even though some of the residents could not read the words, they sang anyway! There was a twinkle in their eyes as the song unearthed touching memories. When we were done, they all wanted an encore. Of course, we willingly obliged, and Gregory began his outstanding accompaniment for the second time as their voices again filled the room.
It was a fitting ending to a stellar afternoon of music and singing which undoubtedly lifted the spirits of the elderly residents as confirmed by two of their lovely ladies named Sheila and Jean. With the sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that always accompanies Outreach recitals, we took a fun group photo smiling broadly while holding up colorful slinkys!