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RECITAL REVIEW

Pianist Robyn Carmichael

ROMANTIC MUSIC AND AMBIANCE AT SEB ARTS RECITAL

by Nicki Bell
Sunday, February 18, 2018

Sebastopol had is own musical salon Feb. 18 with visits to Paris of the 1830s, and side trips to Wales and Germany. Pianist Robyn Carmichael presented a concert of favorite romantic masters and their muses, loves and inspirations, with music of Chopin, Liszt Mendelssohn and Schumann.

This was no conventional recital, as the audience sat at tables draped in black fabric with centerpieces of fresh flowers, plates of chocolate-dipped strawberries and stemware holding complimentary champagne. This comfortable and elegant setting contributed to the intimate mood before the artist appeared on stage, wearing a sequined gown and holding microphone.

Ms. Carmichael spoke to the audience both before and after each piece, highlighting the culture at the time of composition, and detailing the personal and artistic lives of the four masters. Photographs, paintings and drawings of the composers were shown, capturing the mood, drama and virtuosity needed for each piece.

Three of Mendelssohn’s works began the concert: the ever-popular Introduction and Rondo Capriccio (Op. 14), the Op. 38 Duetto from the “Songs Without Words,” and Scherzo, Op. 16, No. 2, composed in 1829. Chopin’s adagio from the F Minor Piano Concerto came next, followed by a Mazurka from Op. 33, and the E Flat Grand Valse Brillante. After an intermission happily fueled by more champagne, Au Lac de Wallenstadt (from Années de Pelerinage – Suisse) and the third Liebestraume of Liszt were played, followed by his transcription of Chopin’s lovely song “Maiden's Wish,” Op. 74, No. 1.

Concluding the program was Schumann’s gentle “Des Abends” from Fantasiestücke, Op. 12, and the familiar Liszt transcription of the song “Widmung” (dedication), long an encore staple for pianists.

Mr. Carmichael’s artistry and charm produced an afternoon of unique musical scenes, enhanced by the felicitous setting and warm applause.