Pieces through the ages

As a part of Bangalore School of Music’s ‘Odyssey 2012’ celebrations, ‘Classics Through the Ages’, a concert by Polish pianist Natallia Kapylova and violinist Katarzyna Demus took place in the City recently.

Intense but beautiful melodies filled the small auditorium in the school as high notes of the violin joined the gentle sound of the piano.

The energy between the two musicians was infectious and had the crowd smiling throughout, regardless of whether the final sound was soulful or playful as was the case in pieces like Beethoven’s ‘Sonata Wionsenna op 24 cz1 Allegro’.

“It was a superb evening. Both of them rendered all the classical pieces through the ages very ably, beautifully and in an extremely professional way,” says Walter Ferrao who was present at the concert.

 “It was an outstanding treat for the whole mind, body and soul,” he adds. Compositions like Fryderyk Chopin’s ‘Mazurek op 33 nr 2’, Fritz Kreisler’s ‘Synkopy’ and Karol Szymanowki’s hauntingly moving ‘Preludium op. 1 nr. 1’ reflected their understanding of Western classical music as they played effortlessly. Both women performed with utmost grace and gave a simple but memorable performance.

“I’m quite culturally ignorant but the two were quite wonderful. My only complaint was that the concert ended even before one could sit back to truly appreciate the delightful music” says Peggie D’mello, a member of the audience. “I especially liked the violin solo of Jan Sebastian Bach’s ‘III Partita na Skrzypce’.”

While Natallia has settled down in India and has performed in Bangalore in the past, this was the first visit for the violinist.

 “It was my first time in India and I am very excited to be here. I must admit it was a new experience but it was nice to play to such a kind bunch of listeners. I think I will remember this performance for a long time,” says Katarzyna after the show.

 Interestingly, she dedicates a lot of time back home in Warsaw to teach the wonderful instrument to visually impaired students, who she describes as having “a very good ear and rare dedication”.