Concert Review: Hope Is In Classical Music's Future

Date: Fri 29-Mar-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Location: A-12

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(rev of Mia Chung NFoM concert, 3/29/96)

Concert Review: Hope Is In Classical Music's Future

(with photo)

By June April

It is performers like pianist Mia Chung that gives one hope for the future of

classical music.

Ms Chung's manner, her artistry and the depth of commitment to communicate her

musical knowledge and love makes this talented young woman a real joy to

listen to, both in person and on compact disc.

Modifying her program and introducing each selection with background

information on the music and the composer during her concert at Newtown's

Edmond Town Hall last Sunday afternoon, Mia Chung showed why the Newtown

Friends of Music once again deserves applause for the excellent choice of

performers the group annually selects.

Beginning with two transcriptions by Franz Liszt (rather than the Beethoven

Bagatelles printed on the program), Ms Chung next challenged the audience with

a rarely performed, but intriguing work by Robert Schumann, entitled

Davidsbundlertanze, Opus 6 .

As the pianist explained, the duality of this rather lengthy piece strongly

reflects Schumann's own intense and moody character. It is a "musical

dialogue" between a passionate, impetuous, leading-edge attitude and a more

conservative, lyrical and reflective musical stance.

The intensity of Ms Chung's playing and (calculated) rest/pause at the

conclusion of the thirteenth segment were somewhat disquieting to the

audience, for there is something of a disjointed quality to this composition.

But Mia Chung said she adores this work and what Schumann expressed through

this psychological and musical statement.

With plans to record Dmitri Shostakovich's work in the future on the Channel

Classics label - with whom Mia Chung has an exclusive contract - it was a real

treat to hear six of the 24 Preludes, Opus 34 by the Russian composer.

Although, she explained, Shostakovich patterned the mode of this work to be

done in an orderly fashion, as Chopin had done with his preludes, in a circle

of fifths," Ms Chung mischievously decided to play them out of sequence,

beginning with Prelude No 1 in C Major but then heading to the B Major rather

than G Major .

If one were to listen to four different artists playing the wonderful

"Appassionata" ( Sonata in F minor, Opus 57 ) by Beethoven, three male and Ms

Chung, this reviewer believes one could not discern by the element of physical

prowess whether the performer was male or female. Ms Chung credits early

training with Marjorie Spark at Curtis with her awareness and development of

her personal strength.

Listening to a compact disc of her playing, as exciting as the afternoon of

March 24 was, the difference between pianos and an excellent studio recording

was evident. Rebuilt twice, the piano at Edmond Town Hall would be happily

replaced. It is not a performer's most fulfilling experience, nor for the

attuned audience to hear. But one is deeply grateful for the opportunity of

experiencing a talent as bright as Mia Chung and other guests brought into our

"backyard."

Although she began her piano studies at age seven, by college Mia Chung

thought she would turn her career to the medical profession. Nevertheless, as

daunting as the professional musical field can be, Ms Chung decided - happily

for music lovers - to pursue a career that "is regrettably marginalized by

American society."

When one compares the greater support and respect for the arts in Europe by

the educational system as well as from the public, one cannot but decry the

cultural lag in this country.

With a baby due in August, Ms Chung continues to commit to her career with

some 30 concerts annually, plus additional recordings with the Dutch-based

Channel Classics.

The 31-year old performer attributes her success and values to her parents,

who have been supportive and loving, and role models in their integrity and

dignity. The way she savors her music is the way this gifted woman relishes

every day.

Mia Chung also shared personal experiences working with inner city children in

Boston. One can clearly hear the personal joy of working with young minds that

are open to the musical experience. It is a little like the underlying theme

of the movie Mr Holland's Opus : Music does make a difference in people's

lives and should never be dropped from a school's curriculum.

The final concert of the Newtown Friends' 1995-96 season will be by the

renowned Shanghai Quartet on Sunday, April 14, at 3 pm, again at Edmond Town

Hall. Call for tickets and information at 426-6470.