Claire
Concert Artists Guild (CAG): 2009 – 2010 CAG Winners Series:
Claire Chase, flute (First Prize Winner, 2008 Concert Artists Guild International Competition)
with members of ICE: Jacob Greenberg, piano; Daniel Lippel, guitar; Bridget Kibbey, harp; Erik Carlson, violin; Kivie Cahn-Lipman, cello; Nuiko Wadden, harp; Nathan Davis, percussion
Carnegie Hall: Weill Recital Hall: 22 April 2010
Weill Recital Hall is on an upper floor of Carnegie Hall, seats about 220, and was about 98% Full.
The not-to-be-missed recital this season. And worth every effort. Part of her prize was this recital — her Carnegie Hall debut.
JSBach opened and closed the official program, starting with ‘Sonata in E, BWV 1035 for flute and guitar’. I had not been in Weill for several years, so the initial notes were a bit of a shock – I had forgotten how dry the sound is, not at all flattering to Claire’s bright flute sound. Not the sound quality you expect for JSB. Nicely balanced with the guitar.
Closing the program was the Salvatore Sciarrino transcription (1993) of the JSBach ‘Toccata & Fugue in d’. Jaw dropping, Spectacular. Death-defying. Beyond all belief.
This is a foot-stomping, cheering crowd and is instantly on its feet. This is as amazing as the encore:: her transcription of Caprice No 24 of Paganini. We heard that before, in Chicago last Spring, and it was a treat to hear it again
In between – music of today:
Donatoni: ‘Fili’ (1981) for flute and piano.
Saariaho: ‘Terestre’ (2002) for solo flute and violin, cello, harp, & percussion.
Takemitsu: ‘Toward the Sea’ (1981) for alto flute & harp.
Boulez: ‘Sontatine’ (1946) for flute and piano.
One major piece after another. For these pieces, the music and the room sound fit together much better. Crackling clarity – easy to be swept up in the details – oh, so many details. Again, great balance between the star and the ensemble.
The Boulez piece is from his angry era. Claire introduced it by noting that she and Jacob were rehearsing it in a Chicago apartment and twice, someone called the police, claiming:: ‘Domestic Dispute!’
The post-performance party was at in a penthouse bar in a nearby hotel, with a spectacular view of Times Square. The penthouse might accommodate 50 people comfortably; with 200 New Music Fans, it was unbearably hot & humid – so I left. (Also, I had a 6:30am flight back to California)
Teddy Dean Boys
