Fringe – Beth Levin (New York) – Piano Recital
It was so wise to start with the Mozart, Beth Levin presenting her credentials – flawless technique in a well known work. The simple opening theme took us back to eighteenth century Vienna when the piano was still being developed. The ensuing variations reminded us of just how demanding Mozart really is, with extremes of sound, bold and brassy, eloquent and cantabile. The famous ending, the Rondo all Turca, began almost timidly but with each new section Levin built up the tension and intensity. By the end she had summoned a full orchestra plus a Janissary band! What more could she do?
Well, with the Ravel she could have been playing a completely different instrument. Gone was the Rococo hall and powdered wigs – we were now relaxing in a Paris salon of the Belle Époque, but because it was Ravel there was this teasing reserve, a sensuous formality.
And so on to the climax of the first half. Once more a simple theme was expounded, this time in seventeen variations as Mendelssohn paid homage to Beethoven. The whole piano was alive with this feast of virtuosity, each variation distinct and satisfying, building up, then relaxing, demanding focussed attention, then roaring fiercely, a nod to Bach one minute, then the full-blooded breath of Beethoven. We all needed an interval after that!
Beth Levin
The Five Piano Pieces by Peter Mennin had a lot in common with the music of the first half. Having now learnt that Levin can do almost anything with the piano, we were able to appreciate her phenomenal ability to shape the sound just as she wanted, whatever the fiendish demands of the score. I had not heard of this eminent American composer before. After such an authoritative introduction to his work I shall certainly be looking out for more. The same goes for the enigmatic Night in a Deserted Village by Xilin Wang. Intriguing chords under irregular arpeggios led us through some gloomy space and then faded, inscrutably.
This concert was presented by MOOT – music of our time who promote contemporary music arts education to a very high standard.
Brighton Unitarian Church,
30 May 2025
Rating:
Andrew Connal
–
Beth Levin (piano)
Programme:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Sonata in A Major K.331 (22’)
Maurice Ravel – Menuet Antique (6’)
Felix Mendelssohn – Variations serieuses Op. 54 (12’)
Peter Mennin – Five Pieces (14’)
Xilin Wang – Night in a Deserted Village from Piano Suite in Shanxi Folk Songs Style Op. 36 (5’)
