When I decided to attend a piano recital in the Palacio de la Musica in
Torrevieja because it was for a charity that is very close to my heart, I
was not expecting anything out of the ordinary. When the , humble
figure of Spanish-born Gabriel Escudero arrived on stage, I was
still unprepared.
Then, as he confidently ran his fingers over the keys of the grand piano
to begin his first piece, I was amazed. This pianist really knew his stuff
and knew how to get the most from the instrument, no matter how
sensitive or how technical the demands.
The programme was well selected and included works by Mozart,
Haydn, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Chopin, Schumann and Liszt –
all favourites of best of pianists. He brought out such musicality in
the ‘Fantasia’ by Mozart, that I was questioning whether it was a
piece by Beethoven, so advanced and effective was the expression.
The contrasts this phenomenal pianist was able to display were
amazing. He played the Hayden sonata with strength, security
and clarity – exactly what is required for this popular composer.
In the second movement, Gabriel’s ability to incorporate lengthy
embellishments so seamlessly was awe-inspiring.
In his offerings by Tchaikovsky, the character of the pieces were
wonderfully well displayed while his Rachmaninov and Chopin
reflected these composer’s psyches perfectly. Rachmaninov’s
underlying sense of anguish was never lost amid amazing bouts
of virtuosic display. Chopin’s melancholic reflection was beautifully
integrated with more technical wizardry in the composer’s own
inimitable style.
It was hard to believe that things could get any better, but the final
pieces of Schumann and Liszt were wonderful and Gabriel maintained
perfect control while the music flowed from exquisitely clear melodic
developments to incredible gymnastics that only the most accomplished
of performers would dare consider playing. For Gabriel, this was obviously
his delight to master and exhibit. He had the audience transfixed.
His encore, an arrangement of Bach’s ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’, was
very well deserved and the audience rose to their feet as they applauded
in appreciation.
The charity was very ably organized by president, Matilde, of the AFA
(Asociación Alzheimer de Familiares y Amigos de Torrevieja).
For more information about the association, contact www.afatorrevieja.es.
Tags: AFA Alzheimer's Association, Gabriel Escudero, Palacio de la Musica, pianist, piano, Spain, Torrevieja
Leave a Reply