West Wight Arts Association has always prided itself on the quality of the artists it invites to play, and Saturday evening’s concert at Freshwater Memorial Hall certainly lived up to those high expectations.
Pianist Amiri Harewood, who has been busy collecting a number of prizes prior to coming to perform on the Isle of Wight for the first time, soon made it apparent that we were in for a real treat.
Intelligently varied programme
His intelligently varied programme began with the Shostakovich Prelude and Fugue in A major, 0p 87. a charming Bach-inspired piece which Amiri played with exquisite clarity of tone, all the while holding on to the wistful melodies so characteristic of the composer.
Next, and by contrast, was a sonata by American composer George Walker, full of explosive dissonances mingled with intensely lyrical passages in which Amiri was able to display his masterly pianissimo playing.
A suite of eight miniatures
Then on to “ Valses Poetique” by Spanish composer Granados, a suite of eight miniatures, each with its own Iberian character.
Amiri’s obvious enjoyment of these little waltzes was endearingly infectious, leaving the audience feeling that they were being transported to a sunny and innocently happy place.
Truly exceptional clarity of tone
Taking us to the interval was Bach’s Partita no 5 BWV 829.
This was where Amiri was able to show off his ability to play with truly exceptional clarity of tone, which is exactly what is demanded of the player because of the many staccato scale-like passages and beautiful but restrained melody lines.
A piano tour-de-force
Just one work, Brahms’s mighty five-movement Sonata no 3, filled the second half of this memorable recital. Amiri approached this piano tour-de-force with the passion and energy of a man on a mission.
Meltingly romantic passages were lingered over longingly, and the more intense parts were executed with drive and determination. This was a most memorable evening, and many among the audience expressed a wish to see this young star again – let us hope we will.
See the West Wight Arts Association website for details of upcoming concerts.
Review shared by Claire Philpot on behalf of West Wight Arts Association. Ed
