Sally Pinkas, pianist-in-residence, will perform tonight at 8 p.m. in Spaulding Auditorium in a recital that will showcase two premieres of sorts. In addition to Pinkas's superb playing and sophisticated interpretation to world premiere pieces, other factors mark this particular concert as unique and monumental.
The concert features the inauguration of a new Hamburg Steinway as the Hopkins Center's concert instrument. Pinkas was very pleased with the purchase, acknowledging that it is not easy to find a good concert grand piano. Pinkas has been searching for a piano for many years.
The instrument itself is three years old. Pinkas admitted her attraction to German instruments for their "clear and honest" sound. Indeed, this Hamburg Steinway is a challenge to play with its power and intense sound.
The piano was purchased through gifts from the Friends of the Hopkins Center and Hood Museum of Art, the Class of 1942 in memory of Allan Dingwall '42 and other anonymous donors.
"It's one of the most powerful instruments I've played on," Pinkas said in a radio show.
What is more appropriate for the first performance of Spaulding's new concert piano than a first performance of some twentieth century pieces?
Pinkas's concert will feature the world premiere of six preludes written specifically for her by contemporary composer Daniel Pinkham. Pinkas has edited Pinkham's "Preludes for Piano" for publication by E. C. Schirmer. Pinkham is a Boston-based composer whose works have been performed by major symphony orchestras in the U.S., Europe and Mexico.
Pinkas views the performance of twentieth century music as essential for musical awareness. She describes some of the preludes as "not technically difficult" and suitable for a student's repertoire. Extensive musical learning and listening beyond nineteenth century music and into the often less-performed twentieth century music is important for the development of music today.
Tonight's program will feature other works, such as one of Mozart's early sonatas and a rhapsody and intermezzi by Brahms. In fact, many of the world premiering preludes show an influence from Brahms. Mozart's sonata is significant too, as it was written when the forte-piano was relatively new. Another milestone in the history of music, the forte piano, unlike the harpsichord, made dynamic changes possible.
Opening with Mozart, at the very birth of the forte-piano, to Romantic Brahms, to the contemporary preludes of Pinkham, the program promises to be very diverse in musical style and historical time span. The concert will no doubt illustrate Pinkas's broad ranging musical ability and eloquence, illuminating the audience and making them appreciate the artistic music of today and years past.
