Visiting pianist, Anthony Williams, led a very exciting and informative set of piano masterclasses on Wednesday, 8 November for some of our music scholars. Students played music from diverse periods of music and in all styles, Anthony emphasised musicianship and phrasing. He also demonstrated how to produce different sounds on the piano by using arm weight.
This event was organised in collaboration with Reading School and we were delighted to be joined by Sean and Yash who also performed in the recital that took place later in the afternoon. Some additional pianists from The Abbey joined us in this concert and all students gave wonderful performances to a large and appreciative audience. Huge thanks must be extended to Anthony for sharing his expertise and to all performers for making the most of this amazing opportunity.
And so it began, a deconstruction of the art of playing led by a true master, Anthony Williams. First up, a Spanish piece titled Rumores de la Caleta (murmurs from the cove) inspired by both the eponymous Caleta Beach in Cadíz and the sensual courting dance from Málaga. Isaac Albéniz’s piece has the guitar in mind, and the pianist is tasked with imitating it. Points for improvement…everything you’re doing but more and more importantly, use arm weight. Just a simple change, transformed the entire sound from one dimensional to rounded and sonorous.
In keeping with the Spanish vibes, Tamara played a wonderful rendition of the Prayer of the Matador by Dello Joio. The melody begins interwoven with the left-hand accompaniment, challenging the pianist to separate the harmony from the melody. Anthony reminded players to envision what they want people to hear before playing and to use their imagination. Experimentation is the only way we’ll find the right interpretation. Don’t be afraid to play it too big, too loud and too grandiose. It’s easier to tone it down than to build it up.
Our next performance was by Sean (from Reading Boys) who played an enthusiastic rendition of Beethoven’s Pathetique Suite, Movement 1. This fiendishly difficult piece demands both perfect technique and intentional phrasing. Anthony’s first suggestion was to go back to the basics, how you sit at the piano. Take up space, to make sure you can utilise arm weight. Pianists don’t need to be strong but perhaps we need to know some physics! (Gravity is your best friend!)
Oya’s beautiful rendition of ‘You Can’t Take That Away From Me’ by the Gershwin brothers. The arrangement by John Kember utilises the piano as the entire jazz band using different textures, but it’s up to the pianist to showcase this. Jazz is a mood, a feeling, something that comes from within. Anthony shared his experience.
Aarini, Lower VI