Abstract:
The submission includes a live recording of a two piano recital by the pianists Dr Tessa Rhoodie and Prof Wessel van Wyk performed at the Brooklyn Theatre on Friday the 30th of September 2016. This recital formed part of the Gaufestival (www.gaufestival.com) founded in 2016.
The following works for two pianos were performed:
W A Mozart - Sonata in D K448
P I Tchaikovsky (arranged by Nicolas Economou) - Nutcracker Suite
Richard Rodney Bennett - Jazz Four Piece Suite
The programme included a diverse mixture of different style periods and require advanced technical proficiency. Mozart’s sonata in D K 448 has been recorded and performed by professional pianists worldwide and is a challenging work from the Classical genre for two pianos. Aspects of the Classical genre that is evident in this sonata are the holistic balance of the 2 pianos between melody and accompaniment and a proper structure in the accompaniment figures in general. A holistic, melodic sound colour with sensitive accompaniment figures in the second movement, greatly enhances the contrast in tempo and character in the third movement.
The second work is a two-piano arrangement of the orchestral version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite by Nicolas Economou. This is a fairly, recent arrangement and contains a plethora of virtuoso pianistic and technical challenges which require a developed and advanced technical proficiency. It is crucial to capture the different character changes in tempo and sound colour, which is associated with the different descriptive titles.
A work that represents the twentieth century genre, is the Jazz four piece suite by the English composer Richard Rodney Bennett (originally written for 2 pianos). This work requires a comprehension of typical jazz rhythms and different characters within the jazz idiom, including the Blues, Ragtime and Rock. The intricate rhythms within the jazz genre and the expressive qualities within each piece, complicate the ensemble playing to a great extent.
Preparation for this performance was done over a period of six to eight months. Each pianist prepares the programme individually and do academic research on the background, form structure, compositional techniques and stylistic character of each work. When a certain level of individual, musical and technical proficiency is reached, regular practice sessions of the ensemble are scheduled to match stylistic interpretation, respective articulations, timing, and sound production. The combined sound of two concert grand pianos requires careful planning. Overpowering dynamic levels, balance of sound and homogeneous articulation are the main challenges. The pianists have to match their respective sound colours, plan articulation and dynamic levels to create one holistic unit.
There are many aspects involved which amalgamate into a professional performance. The academic research on the compilation of the programme and background research on the different individual works require many hours of study. Analysis of the form structure, stylistic aspects, rhythmic and melodic qualities further enhance the performers understanding of the works. The research component is equal to the amount of research done in preparation for an academic article. The academic environment is a challenging environment for performers to excel. Time is of the essence and regular daily practice of a minimum of four hours to master the amount of control needed to perform on this level, is of utmost importance. The performer is an athlete performing a skill on an instrument on a very high cognitive and physical level. To balance teaching and learning, research and the hours needed for practice are the challenges a performing, academic faces in this environment. These conditions require dedication, discipline and motivation.
This diverse programme is an example for scholars of ensemble playing and the art of interpreting different style periods on an advanced technical level.