Seven curtain calls, two encores and audiences were still giving their best efforts to praise Maestro Yefim Bronfman. The orchestra has to stand and leave or will be there for another 10 minutes.
That was how wonderful Maestro Bronfman played Bartók Piano Concerto No. 2 last night, following the lyrical Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4. Two major repertoires of distinctive styles were presented to Singapore audiences at the performing home of Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Maestro Lan Shui came in first to open the concert last night and even before audiences settled from the initial cheer he drew the first smashing drum roll of the rhythmic Rossini Overture to The Thieving Magpie.
Maestro Bronfman is a big man and very tall. He towered over the concert grand and made it looked small. But his big thick fingers flew over the keyboard effortlessly to deliver crisp sound of the concertos. I asked Concert Master Igor Yuzefovich that I was sure Maestro has 10 fingers each hand. He replied he thought he saw four arms instead.
One of the 7 curtain calls.
Here's a video of Maestro Bronfman talking about the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4:
I can't find a video of Maestro Bronfman playing the Bartók Piano Concerto No. 2 but here's Youtube link, music only, to one of his performances:
And if you are curious about the opening piece, Rossini Overture to The Thieving Magpie, here's the Youtube music in HD:
Just as a side note, the only downside last night was talking audiences, phone alarm, candy wrapper sound, loud coughs, and a man that took his shoes off...People, it's a concert hall! Your slightest sound will be heard and your disrespect to the artist will be seen! The pre-concert announcement now includes reminding audiences to muffle their cough with a handkerchief. How clear does it have to be? IT'S COMMON SENSE!!!
*All photos and videos by author unless indicated with sources/credits. Copyrights reserved.
*Disclaimer: This blog was prepared or accomplished by Richard Y. Chen in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Licha Stelaus Productions.