February 26th, 2008
Concert Review
Pascal Rogé
Virtuosi Internationale
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall
Attendance: 240
The place: a darkened theatre at the University of Winnipeg. Onstage: a lone musician at the piano, playing work after work, uninterrupted by applause. The listening experience: priceless. In his own words, celebrated French pianist Pascal Rogé is "an ambassador of the French repertoire." At his solo recital Saturday night, entitled Chopin Inspiring France, this enchantingly expert envoy demonstrated the links between Chopin and French 20th-century music.The great Polish composer's works were interspersed among the likes of Fauré, Debussy, Ravel and Poulenc in a comprehensive program of over 20 pieces spanning the impressionist era and more. By his request, applause was reserved for the end of each half of the concert, making for a seamless sojourn into the heart and soul of the music. No sheet music, no page turns -- nothing but the unfettered and pure performance of this artist of rare quality, whose very manner personifies intensity and concentration. His singular stillness at the instrument, despite the range of expression and emotion he wrings from the keyboard, casts a spell over the audience, which barely took a breath until he finished. Opening with the meditative Fauré Nocturne No.1, Op. 33, Rogé kept his head bowed in focus, and this was how he stayed. His velvet touch in the ensuing Chopin 13i?me Nocturne, Op. 48, No. 1 was mesmerizing, bringing out an as-yet-unheard singing voice in the hall's Steinway. Three Ravel waltzes from Les Valses Nobles et Sentimentalesfirst featured Rogé's deftly crossing hands in a smooth rocking motion, followed by a playfully wrought waltz that was springy and light. Throughout the performance, pieces were grouped for the purpose of comparison, so as well as being a listening extravaganza, the concert was an enlightening learning experience. Back-to-back mazurkas by Debussy and Chopin respectively demonstrated strongly accented questions and answers (with a brilliant finish) in the former, versus a very Polish folk-inspired (rhythmically and melodically) style in the latter. This is an artist of superlatives – incomparable technique, inimitable passion, matchless in his understanding and internalization of the music. Truly dedicated to conveying meaning and beauty to his audience, he and Virtuosi Concerts presented a rare gift to us on Saturday night. And for this we are grateful.
Concert Review
Pascal Rogé
Virtuosi Internationale
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall
Attendance: 240
The place: a darkened theatre at the University of Winnipeg. Onstage: a lone musician at the piano, playing work after work, uninterrupted by applause. The listening experience: priceless. In his own words, celebrated French pianist Pascal Rogé is "an ambassador of the French repertoire." At his solo recital Saturday night, entitled Chopin Inspiring France, this enchantingly expert envoy demonstrated the links between Chopin and French 20th-century music.The great Polish composer's works were interspersed among the likes of Fauré, Debussy, Ravel and Poulenc in a comprehensive program of over 20 pieces spanning the impressionist era and more. By his request, applause was reserved for the end of each half of the concert, making for a seamless sojourn into the heart and soul of the music. No sheet music, no page turns -- nothing but the unfettered and pure performance of this artist of rare quality, whose very manner personifies intensity and concentration. His singular stillness at the instrument, despite the range of expression and emotion he wrings from the keyboard, casts a spell over the audience, which barely took a breath until he finished. Opening with the meditative Fauré Nocturne No.1, Op. 33, Rogé kept his head bowed in focus, and this was how he stayed. His velvet touch in the ensuing Chopin 13i?me Nocturne, Op. 48, No. 1 was mesmerizing, bringing out an as-yet-unheard singing voice in the hall's Steinway. Three Ravel waltzes from Les Valses Nobles et Sentimentalesfirst featured Rogé's deftly crossing hands in a smooth rocking motion, followed by a playfully wrought waltz that was springy and light. Throughout the performance, pieces were grouped for the purpose of comparison, so as well as being a listening extravaganza, the concert was an enlightening learning experience. Back-to-back mazurkas by Debussy and Chopin respectively demonstrated strongly accented questions and answers (with a brilliant finish) in the former, versus a very Polish folk-inspired (rhythmically and melodically) style in the latter. This is an artist of superlatives – incomparable technique, inimitable passion, matchless in his understanding and internalization of the music. Truly dedicated to conveying meaning and beauty to his audience, he and Virtuosi Concerts presented a rare gift to us on Saturday night. And for this we are grateful.
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