By Melissa Radzimski
Correspondent
Approximately 40 buzzing observers surrounded the typically idle grand piano in the Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall for the Wednesday Afternoon Concert Series. The event, which was free of charge and sponsored by the department of Music on Sept. 23, featured three music majors.
Junior piano performance major Alexander Cap performed Frédéric Chopin’s “Étude in E flat Minor, Op. 10, No. 6” as well as “Étude in F Minor, Op. 10, No. 9.” The first resonated throughout the hall in a far more emotionally dynamic style than the latter but moved along at a slower tempo. The second piece was played with a quicker pace but still maintained its passionate aura.
“I think I did fine,” Cap said, “I was surprised as to how calm and comfortable I was.”
The first performer was sophomore music performance major Scotty Boutin. Boutin effortlessly played a piano rendition of Beethoven’s “Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3, I. Presto.” This first movement of “Sonata No. 7” included a flurry of notes that bounced between slow and quick tempos that permeated jolts of vigor. Boutin set the mood for the afternoon by clearly capturing the audience, who silently, yet intently, listened from the beginning until the end.
Following Boutin’s powerful delivery came senior music education major Alan Rigoletto. Performing the romantic “Variations on a Theme of Handel, Op. 107” by Mauro Giuliani, his mastery at the classical guitar proved to be nearly impeccable as he plucked each string in a graceful and confident fashion.
“They are clearly all talented musicians with a passion for music,” freshman music education major Jamie Fox said.
The Wednesday Recital Series will be held Sept. 30 and Oct. 7 at 12:30 pm.
