JOIN USAn evening of Russian music by pianist Natallia Kapylova was recently held at Theme Piano World in Koramangala, showcasing the music of composers like Glinka, Balakirev, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Rimski-Korsakov, Scriabin and Rachmaninov.
She began the concert with ‘Separation’ by Glinka, a lyrical nocturne that was dark but poetic.
'The Lark’, by Balakirev-Glinka followed, which had a gentle, playful flow to it.
Tchaikovsky’s ‘October’ and Doumka were next, the varying tempos of which were matched by the mastery of her fingers.
There was an interesting presentation of Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, which comprised of the ‘Promenade’, Gnomus and ‘The Old Castle’, each one bringing out different facets of the composer.
At times, there was a tension created and sustained by the pianist; at others, she seemed to be playing around with the notes.
Her rendition of Rimski-Korsakov’s ‘The Bumble Boogie’ was the most powerful piece, which received the loudest applause. With quick finger work and tangible energy, she did justice to the piece inspired by ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’. This was matched up with ‘Musical Movements’ by Rachmaninov in the styles of sarabande, virtuoso etude and barcarolle, which were understood and loved by the true Western classical fans in the crowd.
“It was outstanding! For her to play with so much passion and to see so many people here on a Sunday evening was fabulous,” shares Shivram Krishnan, an audience member.
The stormy Etude Opus 42 No 5 by Scriabin was also performed, followed by the finale of the evening, Piano Concerto No 2, 2nd Movement.
For this piece by Rachmaninov, she was accompanied by her student, Neville Bharucha, who added to the enchanting quality of the composition. It was a delight to watch the two pianists.
“It was lovely performing here. It took two years of regular practice to try and perfect some of the compositions and I put all my soul into it. I’m sorry if something was wrong,” smiles Natallia.
But the audience found nothing to complain about. Each composer’s style was made quite distinct in the way she played and the music of the 1800s and was appreciated by one and all.
“It was a beautiful concert of Russian music — something we don’t hear very often. She is a fine pianist and it was nice to see Bangalore enjoy such a repertoire,” says Neecia Majolly, also a classical pianist.