The classical and melodious tunes of J C Bach, Maurice Ravel, Felix Mendelssohn’s, Beethoven and other Western classical music composers were brought alive at the Alliance Francaise de Bangalore recently. As a part of the ‘Odyssey 2012’ celebrations, the Bangalore School of Music held ‘Eight Hands Two Grands’ to celebrate 25 years of the music school.
This piano concert was a congregation of music in chronological form, ranging from classical to modern-era compositions along with romantic pieces in between.
It delighted those present on the occasion. The interesting aspect of this musical event was that it featured musical duos. Each pair played its own piece before coming together at the end. Rebecca Thomas, Berenice da Gama Rose, Bethel Tsuzu Therie and Neecia Majolly showed their talent on piano as the evening set its tone. The audience kept pouring in.
The concert gave Bangaloreans a chance to cherish the Western classical genre and many came with their friends and families. Right from the beginning, these four musicians managed to capture the attention of the audience with their smooth, flowing tunes. It was a soulful and soothing treat for the audience to listen to the Western classical music.
Apart from Bach, Ravel, Mendelssohn and Beethoven, other Western musical composers such as Astor Piazolla, M Tariverdiev, Moszkowski and A Khachaturian were featured. The audience seemed engrossed and delighted with the performances. Nisha Y, who had come for the musical event, says, “This is just wonderful. I always had a liking towards Western classical music. So, I couldn’t afford to miss this one. The pieces these artistes have played are so soulful.”
Another member from the audience, Dipti S, says that she got to know of some beautiful compositions through the event. She appreciatively says, “I liked the concert. All the artistes performed really well. I’m glad I came for the event — otherwise, I would have missed some of the beautiful compositions by Ravel and Piazolla.” The artiste, namely Rebecca, Berenice, Bethel and Neecia hold a distinctive identity in the world of Western classical music. Rebecca has travelled widely and taught in the USA, whereas Berenice is a gifted soloist who has given two recitals in addition to a full-fledged performance on violin with renowned musicians.
Neecia is the first Indian musician ever to have a Western classical piano album to her credit and Bethel is the recipient of the Young Musicians Award from North-East Zonal Cultural Center.
With such talented artistes performing, the event was truly a musical treat for everyone.