Hanover Hall
Wednesday, April 1
Internationally acclaimed Belgian pianist and composer Daniel Verstappen is currently travelling through New Zealand meeting young musicians, workshopping and performing in concert with them.
Last Wednesday evening in Hanover Hall, 15 musicians (mainly section leaders) from the Dunedin Youth Orchestra joined Verstappen and Auckland-based conductor-violinist Joe Harrop to present a recital of Verstappen compositions.
Verstappen is known for the expressive pianoforte style with which he treats well-known classical repertoire with his own characteristic cinematic character — strong melodic lines surrounded by definitive chords, broken chord and arpeggio-styled harmonies, bridging classical piano with contemporary improvisational qualities.
Syncopation and ‘‘unexpected’’ non-cadential endings often left the listening ear nonchalantly floating.
The orchestral arrangements were not too challenging and good instrumental balance was maintained throughout.
‘‘Filmic storytelling’’ prevailed and the overall effect was enjoyable.
After hearing 14 original short works, I would definitely recognise the basic Verstappenian style.
There was no printed programme but both Verstappen and Harrop informally discussed their music.
Melodic lines from the flute introduced a piece based on Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake contrasting with a rather unexpected well-paced percussive ending.
A Bach Toccata was true to its composer, as was the beautiful haunting melody of Gabriel’s Oboe. Other familiar film music such as Interstellar and Chevaliers de Sangreal from The Da Vinci Code were all pleasantly re-worked.
Pianist Aria Karetai Molinari performed in duet with Verstappen for Floating in Duet and Harrop joined with his violin for Cinema Paradiso.
Verstappen talked emotionally of his early love of music before introducing local Ambrose Jeftha (aged 10), who then confidently presented an improvisational piece.
Verstappen complimented the DYO members on their standards of performing and I am sure they would all have benefited from the experience of performing this lighter musical programme for the large supportive audience.
