🎵 Notes from January 21, 2023 meetup

We had the privilege of performing on two different instruments at Ottawa Pianos.  The first round was on a hand crafted 6’ 1” S3X with recent technological innovations that enhance both sound and performance.  The second round was on the CFX concert grand.  There was a diverse suite of pieces, including works by four composers that were new to us, three of whom are still alive.  This included a very contemporary work that is highly popular but that none of us had apparently heard of before!  So there is always something new to learn in music.

Here's what was played: 

• Gregory: Bumble Boogie, by Jack Fina (arrangement of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee)
• Lynda: Mazurka Ob. 68 #2, by F. Chopin
• Randy: Airs à faire fuir #1 and 2, by E. Satie
• Lyndsay: Ticklin’ Toes, by Florence B. Price
• Karin and David (duet): Pavane pour une Infante Défunte, by M. Ravel, duet arrangement by Ray and Marie-Thérèse Alston 
• Perry: Elegie, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Allona: Minuet in E, by J. S. Bach
• Gregory: Introduction and Fugato, by Cuthbert Harris
• Lynda: Op. 68 # 3, by F. Chopin
• Randy: Morceau, by Arsentiy Kharitonov
• Lyndsay: the Ringtone Waltz, by Marc-André Hamelin
• Karin: la Fille aux cheveux de lin, by C. Debussy
• David: Blinding Lights, by The Weeknd
• Allona: Sonatina in F, by L. van Beethoven

🎵 Notes from January 8, 2023 meetup

Host: Anne-Marie

Our first session of the new year went well, which included favourable travelling weather.  We welcomed new member Anne-Marie, who kindly hosted at the last minute, allowing us to perform on her Steinway Model M.  Everyone was enthusiastic, and we all had prepared two numbers. Seven of the 16 pieces were newish, or not in the “classical” repertoire.  Remember that any style and age of music is welcome at our sessions, including your own compositions.  We love variety!

Here’s what was played:

• Gregory: St. Louis Blues, by W. C. Handy
• Wesley: Waltz Op. 69 #2, by F. Chopin
• Anne-Marie: Land of Misty Giants, by Oscar Peterson
• Randy: #1 of Three Piano Pieces, by Wilhelm Stenhammar
• Jeff: Preludes Op 17 #3 and Op. 11 #2, by A. Scriabin
• Allona: Festival Dance, by L. E. Bolden
• Perry: Barcarolle (June), by P. Tchaikovsky
• Hedda: Mazurka Op. 68 #2, by F. Chopin
• Gregory: I’m in the Mood for Love, by Jimmy McHugh
• Wesley: Waltz Op. 70 #2 by F, Chopin
• Anne-Marie: Valse in B minor Op. 69 #2, by F. Chopin
• Randy: Miss Clare Remembers, by Enya
• Preludes Op. 16 #3, 4 and 2, by A. Scriabin
• Perry: Piano Sonata #8 (Pathetique), 2nd mov., by L. V. Beethoven
• Allona: A Criminal Mind, by Lawrence Gowan
• Hedda: Georgia on My Mind, by Hoagy Carmichael