Third Time’s a Charm
At least that’ s what Thomas Zoells said after I showed up for
the third consecutive performance sponsored by PianoForte
Friday at noon for Laura Fenster, Friday Night for Phyllis Chen
and this afternoon for Italian pianist Alessandro Taverna.
Alessandro introduced all the pieces in a charming Italian
accent. He turned out to be the best pianist I’ve seen this
season. He performed Bach’s English Suite #5 in E minor which was
so wonderful I wished we could resurrect Glenn Gould. Bach’s
keyboard pieces transcribed for piano always send me to the
“zone”.
Alissanro concluded the 1st half with a very animated
Tarantella by Liszt. After a short intermission, we heard a Fantasy in F-sharp by Mendelssohn, and then a great rendition of three tableau from
Stravinsky”s Petrushka ballet. It was piano pounding at it’s best
The whole recital was done from memory, which always impresses
me.
Bruce Oltman
