Classical recital for enthusiasts

The concert was a part of the 13th East-West encounter. Aruna Sunderlal, the lead performer, who is a known face in the classical music circles in the City, was drawn to music from an early age. Her first major performance was in Mumbai in 1970 and since then she has been working relentlessly to revive interest in Western classical music. And the concert was so jam-packed with music enthusiasts that some people had to stand at the back of the auditorium. But nobody really complained as everyone was excited to see Aruna perform.

The first part of the evening was based on Lieder, where Aruna performed some classics by Georg Friedrich Handel like Art thou troubles? and Were a'er you walk. This was followed by Frauenliebe und Leben about a woman’s life and love. And the crowd sat encapsulated while she sang three classics by Franz Peter Schubert like Der Lindenbaum and Gretchen am Spinnrade among others.

The music was by William Scobie from Ireland, who played the piano. He supported Aruna’s strong vocals with his slow and soothing tones and kept the recital lively.  

The latter part of the evening was based on the Aria song cycle and had Bernice da Gama Rose accompanying Aruna on the piano. She started with Jai perdu mon Edrice and followed it with the famous soprano arias from Italian opera O Mio Babbino Caro. It was a somewhat a frothy aria but highly enjoyable. Stride la vampa, about a gipsy Azucena’s memories, was sad and moving. Voi che sapete about the effects of love on a hapless lover, expressed sorrow, anxiety and anger and was a moving piece.

The evening came to an end with Chanson Boheme, which was strong and had the audience asking for more. There was a shout for an encore and everyone rose to their feet to applaud the artists.