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The Lautreamont Concert Series
www.la-belle-musique.com
LautreamontConcertSeries@gmail.com
At
A.C. Pianocraft, Inc.
(A.C. Pianocraft, Inc. Website)
Georgy Valtchev and Steven Zynszajn, Violins
Dave Eggar, Cello
Whitney La Grange, Viola
Maxim Pakhomov, Piano
Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
May 26, 2006
French Program:
Three Preludes for Piano from Book I, C. Debussy (1862-1918)
La danse de Puck
La fille aux cheveux de lin
Minstrels
Maxim Pakhomov, Piano
Sonata for Violin & Piano No. 1, Op. 13, G. Fauré (1845-1924)
Allegro molto
Andante
Allegro vivo
Allegro quasi presto
Steven Zynszajn, Violin
Maxim Pakhomov, Piano
String Quartet in C minor, Op. 35, E. Chausson (1855-1899)
Grave: Modéré
Très calme
Gaiement, pas trop vite
String Quartet in F major, M. Ravel (1875-1937)
ii. Assez Vif-Très Rhythmé
Tonight’s final Lautreamont Concert Series for the season, at A.C. Pianocraft, Inc., brought together a fine ensemble: violinists, Steven Zynszajn and Georgy Valtchev, pianist, Maxim Pakhomov, cellist, David Eggar, and violist, Whitney La Grange, in an all French program of contrasting moods and dramatics. Maxim Pakhomov, on antique Steinway, opened the evening with playful staccato effects in the first Debussy Prelude, followed by a well known and romantic melody in the second, and darker and devilish chords in the third. An upbeat surreal mood was cast toward the end.
In the Fauré, Pakhomov dove into rapid and full passages, like flowing waterfalls of notes, and the A. C. Pianocraft’s antique Steinway achieved its potential for brilliantly ravishing music, in the French romantic genre. The volume and energy built in the Allegro molto, before Steven Zynszajn’s violin soared in the Andante with intensity and clarity. In the Allegro vivo, Zynszajn used pizzicato, as piano and violin blended into the moment. In the final Allegro quasi presto, a dance-like, repetitive theme developed on piano, contrasting to Zynszajn’s slower finale.
The Chausson and Ravel String Quartets showcased the four string musicians, with the Steinway (and a showroom full of antique Steinways) surrounding the stage. In the Chausson, the Grave movement was serious and sad, mesmerizing and soulful. The second movement was so textured, that the four musicians seemed to multiply in sound to a larger chamber ensemble. The final movement found Georgy Valtchev especially energized, adding tonal ornamentations. David Eggar, on cello, provided depth and sensuality, and Whitney La Grange, on viola, completed the quartet nicely with elegant attention to the joy in the Gaiement.
The Ravel Quartet was dreamlike and transported the listener, perhaps to Paris, where Zynszajn, founder and leader of the Lautreamont Series, studied at the National Conservatoire. A wine and cheese reception followed. Kudos to The Lautreamont Concert Series and all participating musicians. Kudos to A. C. Pianocraft and Alex Kostakis, for providing a stage and ambiance for such performances throughout the year.
I recommend a lively Italian restaurant, near A. C. Pianocraft, Inc., Amarone Ristorante, which is open late for wining and dining, a perfect NY destination after Midtown or West Side concerts or theatre. Proprietor, Tony, is always available to warmly welcome you. Amarone Ristorante has been a generous sponsor of the jazz events, this past year, also presented at A. C. Pianocraft on the lovely antique Steinways. A. C. Pianocraft, Inc. offers tours of its piano restoration workshop by appointment (212.957.9268). Tell them you saw them on RobertaOnTheArts.com.
The Lautreamont Ensemble at Leisure
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Maxim Pakhomov and Steven Zynszajn at the Antique Steinway
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Maxim Pakhomov at the Antique Steinway
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Alex Kostakis at the Post-Concert Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Steven Graff at the Post-Concert Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Alex Kostakis and Steven Zynszajn
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Tony of Amarone Ristorante with Denise and Kimberly
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Tony Gets Flowers from an Amarone Guest
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Roberta and Tony
Photo courtesy of Amarone Staff
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