Liszt in Budapest

Budapest is the ideal city to visit as a musician and as a lover of Liszt, both of which I am!


                              I was lucky to visit an apartment dedicated to Liszt:

and down the hall, to hear fabulous music coming from:

I

In Liszts' apartment, one can view many of his 

                                instruments, to include a Bosendorfer and a
                                                             Chickering:

Above is a simile of Liszt's sitting room,

and, here is a cast of Liszt's hand:

My favorite is his desk and in particular, its' drawer:


















                           How much does Budapest love Liszt?

They named their airport after him: the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

                           Sally Rowsell, Ottawa, M Mus (rowsellpiano.ca)

                                        Farkas Gabor, Piano, 
           with The Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra



On Sunday afternoon April 10, 2016, I enjoyed an all Liszt concert at the Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary, with pianist Farkas Gabor and the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (conductor Adam Medveczky) "In the Footsteps of Liszt". This concert was part of the Spring Festival, which was in full swing during my stay.

Gabor is a multi -award winner who performed in Carnegie Hall as winner of the Worldwide Audition of the New York Concert Artists and Associates in 2015/2016. He has notably won first prize in the Liszt Piano Competition in Weimar and first prize in the Bela Bartok Competition in Austria. His album, "An Evening With Liszt" earned the Prix du Disque of the Ferenc Liszt Society.

The program was extensive, consisting of solo piano selections in the first half to include Widmung, Forgotten Waltz no 1, Valse-Impromptu, Fountains of  the Villa D'Este, Gondoliera, Canzonetta, Tarantella, and Hungarian Rhapsody no 12. The second half included Liszt's Piano Concertos no 1 and no 2.in E flat major and A major respectively.

What first struck me about Gabor's playing was his largely passionate, gargantuan approach to the instrument and to Liszt's music in particular.I have rarely heard such a dramatic fortissimo or idyllic pianissimo, and found it to be exciting. The music was cute, sweet, gently intimate, delicate and personal when appropriate. Passages glistened, while special moments were luscious. Gabor took numerous liberties, provided heartfelt and lush romantic gush, and offered overall a combination of poetic, grandiose, descriptive playing.  Finally, he had technique to die for.

He opened interestingly with expressive splitting of the hands (Widmung), which I did not seem to notice as the concert continued.

The pinnacle of the first half which was the showy Hungarian Rhapsody no 12, had audience members swept away with drama that could have been Liszt himself at the piano.

Gabor did not play without fault. In soft passages his priority was not always rhythmic control, and I was confused in the early part of the concert with some waffling rhythmic inconsistency. Additionally, some octaves  in the concertos were not clean. His expressive conviction, tremendous sound and unwavering technique made up for these blemishes, so consequently I did not mind the flaws in the slightest.

By now the audience had begun its' typical Hungarian applause style which showed appreciation to the performer with a slow rhythmic unison clap that was insistent. I have not heard this applause type before; it seemed to be the norm for Budapest who takes its' classical music seriously!

The  Piano Concertos nos 1 and 2 were companioned with a pristine European orchestra, small to medium in size. Solo clarinet, oboe, flute and cello wowed the audience with duet capabilities, while the orchestra as a whole played with detail, gorgeous shape, expressive attention to harmonic changes, finesse, drama, passion, clean precision, and with perfect ensemble and support. The orchestra showcased outstanding string and brass sections and, in sum, was all one would expect from a fine European orchestra.

An additional part of the attraction of this concert was the hall, with a design to produce superior acoustics, and beauty to enhance listening pleasure. The pictures below will give you some idea of its' architecture.

1.side view from the first balcony,
2. view from the front main hall,
3. view of the stage from the first balcony.

Next up is Beethoven and Rachmaninoff , stay tuned!


Sally Rowsell, Ottawa, M. Mus ( rowsellpiano.ca)

                 St. Lukacs Thermal Bath and Swimming Pools,                                                 Budapest, Hungary


In line with staying in optimal health as a practicing musician, I write this post!

I've recently returned from an amazing holiday in Budapest, Hungary, and one of the highlights of my trip was a visit to St. Lukacs Thermal Bath.

Preceding this visit, a tour of The Aquincum Museum and Ruin Garden ironically set the background for my spa day.

The Aquincum Museum includes open air archaeological findings of a Roman settlement dating from 2 A.D. 

http://visitbudapest.travel/arts-entertainment/budapest-museums/museum-of-aquincum/

Among the ruins was the formation of 24 public baths, used for " being well" and " feeling good",  as well as for personal hygiene.

Water (for the baths) came from the naturally occurring thermal springs of Budapest, which made the area an attractive place to settle. 

The typical Roman Bath system consisted of a cold water bath, a warm room, and a highly humid hot water room. Floor heating helped heat the water and area, and exercise areas and rest areas were part of the set up and recommended wellness habit.

I found this to be fascinating information which supported my idea that the Romans were great architects and overall quite resourceful and intelligent people.


  St Lukacs Spa

I headed to St. Lukacs Spa last Wednesday morning, with the intention to stay about an hour. When the gal behind me in the line up ( from New York, working in Budapest for a year), suggested as a newcomer I stay the day, I took her advice.

St. Lukacs is an authentic Hungarian Spa, with buildings arranged in a circular C fashion. There is a courtyard in the middle of the buildings with decorative grounds and ornate statues. The exterior building itself is a washed yellow shade.

http://www.lukacsbath.com/


Once I was changed with my clothes locked away, I set out for the thermal pools. St Lukacs is famed to have the most medically effective waters in Budapest ( there are numerous spas in Budapest) whose waters have multiple benefits, among these benefits aid for joint degeneration and for low calcium concentration in bones.

Chemically, the water consists of calcium, magnesium -hydrogen- carbonates, chloride, sulphates, "alcalia" ( perhaps they mean alkali), and a large amount of fluoride. When you walk in the bath area, you smell sulfur quite strongly.

The plan according to the Romans, is to alternate hot water with cold water, so I started with the lowest temperature hot water pool at 32 degrees celsius. Other pools were 23 degrees (cold water),  36 degrees, and 40 degrees. I gradually made my way to the 40 degree pool, with dips in the cold pool which apparently thickens your skin. There are fountains for drinking the thermal water, which is also supposed to be beneficial if consumed.

It was a busy spot at 9 a.m. on a weekday!

I next headed outdoors for a swim in one of two extra large swimming pools. After several laps a local worker blew his whistle repeatedly to tell me to leave the water. It seems I was not wearing a bathing cap, and it was mandatory!

After finding a cap elsewhere in the spa and swimming a little more, I then climbed up some narrow outdoor stairs to discover a roof top fitness center, and carried on to the very top to hang out on the sun deck.

I found another indoor pool where a water gymnastic session was in progress following which I  wandered back indoors.

I had decided to book a 20 minute massage, therefore while waiting for my massage I visited once again the 40 degree pool.

It was hard to find my way easily in the spa (and I got strange looks from the locals when I asked for directions in English), yet after going in circles for a time I finally found my massage room. Here I received the best shoulder, neck and back massage of my life. I am unsure the type of massage, but I guess it to be a combination shiatsu, swedish, and Thai.


  Sauna Wellness Center

In the second phase of my spa day, I went into the Sauna Wellness Center, where I sampled all the many saunas and extras. This area was fairly deserted ( it was past lunch time by now) which suited me fine.

After finding what I would call a freezer room,  I lay for a while on a heated Roman bench, which provided soothing heat from below to my whole body. Next was a steam chamber; very hot steam surrounded my body here, which infiltrated my pores and lungs.

Following was a salt crystal sauna, which is essentially a sauna with high heat that emits salt crystals into the air. I was unaware of the salt compound while I was in there, and found it soothing and relaxing. Salt of course is useful for detox purposes. The Spa also houses a Himalayan salt wall and a salt chamber.

Upstairs I found an infra red sauna which started at 40 degrees celsius and gradually reached about 55 degrees during my 45 minute stay. Across the way was a Finnish sauna with temperatures at 80-90 celsius, and finally there was a naturalist sauna which needs no explanation.

I finished my sauna fest by soaking my feet in a cold shallow pool, kept cool partially by ice cubes which cascaded down in waterfall fashion.

After a 6 hour stay, I headed back to my hotel on the tram, a very happy, relaxed, and well detoxed individual!

Such a spa visit I would estimate to cost hundreds of dollars. 

On that day my visit, to include the massage, cost about $30.00. 

Next post, Budapest concert reviews., Stay tuned!

Projecting Ease

"There’s no better way for us musicians to make our audiences receptive than to project ease and enjoyment from the stage.

What’s more, by embodying ease, we help dispel any nerves.

Lighten your touch

Technical freedom comes from allowing rather than forcing. When you’re on stage, trust in your preparation. As you get louder, for example, get looser. Foster a sense of lightness in everything you do."

To read the rest of this fine article, click below:

http://musiciansway.com/blog/2010/07/projecting-ease/

November is...Practice Month! Piano Lessons Ottawa Kanata

                                                    ANNOUNCING......

         Practice Month!



November is Practice Month at rowsellpiano!




Here's what you do:




1. Make a weekly chart,

http://makingmusicfun.net/pdf/practice-charts/piano-practice-chart.pdf


http://makingmusicfun.net/htm/printit-oliver-sticker-practice-chart.htm

                       or make your own,

2. Time yourself every day when you practice,  Write it down on your chart.

                                 
3. Add up each day's practice for a weekly total.


Bring your Weekly Practice Total to your lesson, and we will display it on my blog.


At month's end, we will add up your monthly total, and the top three Practice Minutes' holders will be honored with a prize!



                                                      Happy Practice!

 

Piano Instruction for Home Schoolers Kanata

                        The Benefits of Piano Instruction for Home Schoolers


"Rowsell Piano Studio is the single best place to receive a music education. Nowhere else will you find a teacher with such an incredible combination of experience, talent, qualification, and motivation towards the success of every single student she encounters. " Shruti Raheja 


In Ottawa, a large population of keen parents choose to Home School their children. As each child is unique, some parents wish to choose an educational method that co- aligns with their beliefs and the learning style of their child.

A link to the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents follows for those who want more information.

http://ontariohomeschool.org/

With the study of music, and private piano study in particular, comes a nurturing of the creative and expressive side of the child, a spark of one's imaginative thinking, and a means of communicating through music and its' universal language.

Study from a young age has been documented to increase brain size by developing areas of the brain not usually tapped by non- musicians, to raise one's IQ score, and to promote the ability to problem solve at high levels. Piano study fosters creative thinking, the ability of looking outside the box for answers,  and generally results in a sharp mind well into old age.

Music study fosters discipline, cooperation, hours of enjoyment playing one's instrument,  and an eye (and ear) for detail and precision.

It challenges the gifted child who finds everything else easy, it enhances reading ability, and  it enhances mathematical skills.

The thrill of success in music and  the excitement of moving one's fingers magically over the keys to create beauty is non-paralleled.

For a well rounded education, the benefit of private music study cannot be ignored. Parents are wise to avail of private teaching in their area to enhance their child's development.

Don't delay! Sign up for piano lessons today to reap the rewards of a life in music!

http://rowsellstudio.blogspot.ca/p/piano-studio-page.html


Sally Rowsell M. Mus, is a pianist and teacher in Kanata

rowsellpiano Congratulates Ottawa Exam Participants!

                     rowsellpiano congratulates:

 9 year old Clarice Kwan of Ottawa who received a mark of 93 on her grade 4 Piano Exam!


All students for a successful year of learning, especially the outstanding and talented 4 and 5 year olds who have made remarkable progress in a short time!

"Accidental Etudes" Milana Zilnik

                          " Accidental Etudes" ,  Milana Zilnik, composer, pianist

May 23, 2014 marks the release of the sixth cd " Accidental Etudes" written and
performed by Ukranian born Ottawa artist/ pianist /composer Milana Zilnik, and produced
by husband Artyom Tchebotaryov.

In an attempt to categorize the style of Milana who states her influence ranges
from Bach to Keith Jarrett, listeners are treated to a distinctive combination
of jazz and new age ( correctly self -identified as additionally blended with
rock and classical), presented in a modest swirl of rhythmic and melodic
intent. One of these two former elements is predominant in selections, with a
minimalistic approach to showcasing melodic or rhythmic germs throughout.

Clean lines, innocence, integrity and naturalness grace the cd as a whole.

Most obvious always is the rhythmic lead with intentional off - beat accents,
uneven beat combinations (3+3+2 is a favorite), and a strong improvisatory flair,
which suggests jazz. In fact, the albums' soundtracks happened as spontaneous
" one-take, no preparation recordings".

The fleeting images described in each vignette provide a snapshot of color,
provoke a mood, stir an emotion, or bestow a thought, which causes me to attach
the tail new age to these abstract listening gems.

New Age Music is defined as achieving " a contemplative state", and " music
intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism". Milana's
newest compilation strikes me as spiritual, heartfelt, relaxing, artistic,
decidedly inspiring.

It is interesting to note that each selection promotes only one mood and color
to the end, which is a tip of the hat to Bach and the Baroque.

Listeners will enjoy 18 tracks in a variety of simple keys. Thus said, tonal
ambiguity sometimes resounds as the third is often missing as in track 18,
"Out of the Dark".

The parallel motion of  the encouraging and sanguine "Out of the Dark" and the
open 4th's and 5th's of this choice is a signature of minor keys on the cd, a
supportive nod to the Impressionists.  Listen also for this in track 3 " Winds
and Tides", track 8 " Heart of Stone", track 11 " Rushing for the Fortune", and
track 14 " Rocking the Waterfall", for example.

The dark, serious, and somber " Winds and Tides" is highly rhythmic with the
3+3+2 coupling encased in a narrow intervallic range, while the atmospheric "
Heart of Stone" also of the same rhythmic plan, opens as a soliloquy in a more
melodic fashion, interspersed with harmonic color.

" Rushing for the Fortune" tends toward optimism and brightness, with
affectionate rhythmic motives permeating the parallel fourths/ fifths. The busy,
moving, and repetitive " Rocking the Waterfall" again with  a narrow melodic
range,  places a descending waterfall motive in the spotlight, heralds the bass,
and highlights a falling minor second followed by a fourth, another choice of
Milana, disintegrating to quiet approaching the end.


Personal favorites include the carefree, cool and breezy " Dare to be Me" (track 4), in a consistent motion of triplets and syncopated styling,

                              https://milana.bandcamp.com/track/dare-to-be-me


and the appropriately titled "When I am in Love" (track 12), bathed in a melting emotional melody and lilting rhythm.

                              https://milana.bandcamp.com/track/when-i-am-in-love


Other tracks include the pleading, determined and earnest"  I Won't Give up" ( track 6), and the dramatic, mysterious, dark and aggressive " The Madness Within" (track 7).

   " Dancing With Hades" ( track 13), washes over one calmly with nostalgia and beauty,

                              https://milana.bandcamp.com/track/dancing-with-hades

 while the touching " Waltz of a Dying Candle" (track 17) spills warmth, wanting, and purity.

Overall, this appealing cd showcases fine ideas ripe for growth, and is likeable in its' simplicity; of common keys, technical demands, melodic range, and common rhythmic and harmonic inclusions, as well as in its' repetitive and motivic stance. Charm exists in modesty and purity.

 Feel the sincerity within Milana's creations and experience her journey by listening, for this music owns substance and depth stemming from the personal stamp of emotion given each selection.

 I invite you to join the 35,000 faithful online followers, as the cd that becomes more engaging with successive hearing is well worth the purchase!



Sally Rowsell, M. Mus, pianist and teacher, Ottawa Ontario

2014 , May. all rights reserved. no part may be reproduced or changed without
permission of the author.

The Sound of Music Ottawa

The Hills were magically alive with The Sound of Music on Saturday December 14, 2013 at The National Arts Center in downtown Ottawa.

I was thankfully led to the show following a coffee with my long graduated piano student now professional actor/musician Sarah Gibbons, expertly cast as Louisa in her NAC debut. (Sarah also doubles as a nun). It was a treat to witness her talent and potential, which is enormous.

I was thrilled to note the Newfoundlanders involved in this show to include Sarah Gibbons and Petrina Bromley in the cast, and Jillian Keiley, Artistic Director of the NAC.

Artistic Director Jillian Keiley's vision " inspired by you and for you, Ottawa," was to " program the Sound of Music as a little love letter to the city" that is "full of the music and joy".

I am not able to single out any one performer to effect a hierarchy of talent, but instead will state that each and every performer rose in excellence to reveal individuality in interpretation and skill. As several doubled as nuns and housekeeping staff, the versatility of the performers was clear and appreciated.

Thus said, I am compelled to mention Eliza- Jane Scott as Maria, whose constant effervescent energy allowed her to sustain the role with reliable and compelling vocal ability, adapting beautifully from selection to selection. As the show progressed we warmed to her person and followed her every move and nuance, drawn to her expressive portrayal of Maria.

Dmitry Chepovetsky as Captain von Trapp was the perfect monarch, strong, confident, elegant and dapper, captivating in his role and singing.

Petrina Bromley as Elsa, the millionaire girlfriend of von Trapp, realized her role with poise, humor and true elitism. She left no detail unturned in her production, to include her common stance with one heel tilted while standing, which effectively let us know her place in the world of the rich and privileged. I would be amiss to not mention Petrina's talented singing, to compliment her acting of the same.

The children were each unique and colorful, showcasing consistent superior acting, singing, and dancing.

Several tender moments caused moist eyes in the audience, to include the dance of Maria and von Trapp at the party when they both realize they are falling in love, and the favorite "Climb Every Mountain" in reprise at the close.

Outstanding were the orchestra who consisted of a mere three musicians; Allen Cole, piano, percussion, xylophone, Sarah Ross, violin, mandolin, and Beth Sturdevant, cello. These skillful musicians provided the perfect backdrop and support, never too thin, never too thick, never too much, never too little. Bravo!

Choreography was excellent, in its' creation and execution. Scene changes were handled efficiently and invisibly with the movement of actors into the audience to distract from the barely there changes on stage.

It was a production of simplicity, with simple costumes, simple scenery, simple accompaniment, which promoted an ease of execution. A keener awareness of the music and the story line was possible by eliminating fuss and distractions, and the result was greatness.

The show opened with a humorous invitation to the audience to sing along (thanks to Petrina Bromley), which we did at many points throughout to include "Do-Re-Mi", "Climb Every Mountain", and others. Audience participation peaked near the end during the talent competition for which the von Trapp family performed. While the waiting Nazi's sat in the audience near front row and the MC addressed us as the audience of  that time, the audience metamorphosed into cast extras at the show.

With a modern twist on a familiar classic, this friendly and superbly coordinated/ executed production of The Sound of Music has wow factor. Don't miss it!


Sally Rowsell is a pianist and teacher from Newfoundland living in Ottawa.