The 23rd of February, 2011 saw LT19 of NTU packed to the full with excited whispers going all around. The NTU CAC Piano Ensemble Lunchtime concert was the cause of all the buzz.
The emcee introduced the theme for the concert, which was ‘Déjà vu’ – a French phrase used to describe the feeling that something has already happened before.
The first performance was – ‘Sonata in D major K.381’ (W. A. Mozart), played by Wang Sui and Cao Wenyu. This was a fast-paced and cheerful performance, interspersed with some soft, serene bits.
Up next was ‘You’ll Be In My Heart’ (Phil Collins) by Tan Sheau Maan and Li Rong. They brought the evergreen Disney classic to life.
The third performance was by Hao Yunpeng and Nia Mutiara – ‘Prelude, Cortege et Air de Danse from L’Enfant Prodigue (Claude-Achille Debussy). The piece was dramatic and alive with colour and warmth.
Following this was ‘Polka Italienne’ (S. V. Rachmaninoff), performed by Serene Lim and Lau Kai Ting. They delighted the audience with their attractive, melodious playing.
The next set of performers were Stephanie Lew and Nicolson Ng. This talented duo performed two pieces, the first being the lively and passionate ‘Hungarian Dance No. 4’ (J. Brahms). For the next piece, Nicolson switched over to the violin (indeed, some members of the Piano Ensemble do play more than just the piano!) and they played ‘Theme from Schindler’s List’ (J. T. Williams). The piece reflected the sombre and sorrowful atmosphere that existed during Nazi Germany.
The piece following was ‘Sunset’ (Daniel Hellbach), performed Raditya Yudha Prawira and Alvin Susanto. This performance had a jazzy feel to it, with a peaceful, melodious air.
Next, Ma Xiaoqian and Liu Xuzhao played the fast-paced, energetic ‘Radetzky March Opus 228’ (J. Strauss). This piece, in spite of its military nature, has a rather festive mood. The tradition is clap along with the chorus of the piece.
Fan Junkai closed with a solo performance of ‘Ping Hu Qiu Yue (Autumn Moon Over Calm Lake)’, a Chinese folk song written by Lu Wencheng.
As mentioned before, the ‘Radetzky March’ is associated with the tradition of the audience clapping along with the music. For a final, grand send-off, Xiaoqian and Xuzhao returned to perform the chorus of the march, and the entire audience united to applaud along with the beats.
And thus ended the NTUPE Lunchtime Concert. It was a treat to the audience's ears, one that would leave them longing for more! =)
Do keep your eyes peeled for more such amazing concerts; you are sure to blown off your feet! =D
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