These words truly come to life when Helen Sim and David Du are at the keyboard. Energy, velocity, precision, excitement, these attributes were also on full display tonight.
Concertgoers had a special treat this evening. Helen and her husband David took time to explain the work they were about to perform. Not only did this help the audience relate, but showed another wonderful side of these special artists. Of course, concert notes normally perform this function, but for the many young audience members, having a personal explanation with live demonstration was especially satisfying.
For the bulk of the concert, both Helen and David were on stage simultaneously. But each did have a chance to shine on their own. Helen chose Liszt's “Etudes de Concert No. 3 ’Un Sospiro.’” She showed an admirable ability to continue playing despite a most annoying hiss from the sound system. Fortunately, that was rectified in time to be able to fully enjoy the melody being played in the left hand, then the right, then the left, but via crossed hands. Truly beautiful.
David then joined Helen for an arrangement for four hands of Beethoven's arguably most famous symphony, the Fifth. The performance was outstanding, full of power, and impeccable unity. This reviewer's grandfather played this very piece in Berlin in the 1930's. It really warms the heart to see this beautiful couple play the same work.
After a brief intermission, David Du came back for a solo where he artfully contrasted Liszt and Chopin with some commentary and excerpts. He then wowed the audience with a rousing edition of Chopin's Etude Op. 10 No. 4 in C# minor. The finger work and dexterity were very inspiring to all. One could really imagine being in a Parisian salon, cigar in hand, entertained by Fryderyk himself.
For a change of pace, Helen rejoined her husband on stage with a rendition of three Hungarian Dances, Nos. 1, 5, and 7, by Johannes Brahms. These Dances are always delightful, and Helen and David gave a solid performance, with an extra flash. The two clearly enjoyed themselves while playing these lovely Dances.
The final work of the program was Rachmaninov's Suite No. 2, Op. 17 for two pianos. As with many of Rachmaninov's compositions, it is best enjoyed live. Tonight, Helen and David's true capabilities were on full display. The first movement contained a quasi-modern melody, intertwined with artistic twirls that emanated from both pianos. The Valse of the second movement had a distinctive rhythm that Helen interpreted very nicely. In the last two movements, Romance and Tarantella, David had some incredible passages that were technically brilliant. In combination with Helen, the artistry of the piece really exploded in full bloom.
All in all, the concert was a rare chance to hear inspiring performances of fun and famous pieces. Any opportunity to hear these two players again is highly recommended.
