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November 21, 2008
Mahan Esfahani
Wednesday, November 19, brought hardworking Mahan Esfani to the Recital Hall for an outstanding evening of harpsichord and organ music.
In the pre-concert talk, Esfahani wore blue knit gloves to warm his fingers and took questions from the audience. The 24-year-old defended his choice of harpsichord as the “instrument of will.” He pointed out that composers and audiences in the 17th century not only had emotions but composed and performed emotionally. He related it to listening to an old recording on a 78 record or cylinder and maintained “there’s something about hearing the music exactly like it sounded in the 17th century that evokes a visceral response. The artist went on to discuss the composers on the program, asserting that “Bach is the composer that, if you spent your whole life studying his music, it would be a life well spent.”
He made three converts sitting next to me, and I suspect they weren’t the only ones in the nearly-sold-out audience. After expressing mutual dislike for harpsichord music, they reluctantly agreed to keep an open mind. By intermission they were completely won over. Esfahani was right – it is emotional and dynamic music, beautifully executed on a very special instrument.
This concert was the harpsichord’s public debut. It is a double manual German style after M. Mietke (1702 – 1704), made by Bruce Kennedy and generously provided by owner Philip Ambrose.
Click here for some in-depth program notes written by Esfahani and provided for the concert.
After a Bach Toccata, the second half was devoted to the UVM Recital Hall organ and included works by Henry Purcell, John Blow and Charles Racquet.
What did you think of the concert?
What's your opinion of the harpsichord?
Posted by lane at November 21, 2008 12:21 PM
Comments
hello,
i was wondering if you know of a way to contact Mahan?
Posted by: Bryce erickson at December 26, 2008 12:04 AM
We opened the 2nd semester last Friday with a moving and dynamic program by the charismatic Turkish multi-instrumentalist, Omar Faruk Tekbilek and his ensemble. His music comes from a source outside himself and flows through him in a truly remarkable way. He is a true genius in his ability to perform and to reach his audience in a special way. The hall was packed with fans and admirers. We also had a chance to taste wonderful Turkish food provided by Anatolian Caterers, Effie Cimrin and his mom. This Friday, Temesta di Mare will come from Philadelphia to open the Handel anniversary year (Handel died in 1759...any excuse will do!) with a program of music from "Handel's London." Jane
Posted by: Jane at January 31, 2009 3:23 PM
It is a shame that I missed this, I hope that the recitals went well.
Posted by: london forum at May 16, 2009 9:40 PM
I would be interested to know if any new music is being produced for the harpsichord. I love the sound of this, I feel, forgotten instrument.
Posted by: mature dating at August 17, 2009 10:47 AM
harpsichord is one of the best! keep it up guys!
Posted by: Date at October 27, 2009 9:49 AM
What did you think of the concert? The concert was awesome. Fantastic event and harpsichord? - very cool and great. Thanks for sharing and more power!
Posted by: Online matchmakers at November 11, 2009 11:35 AM