The Keyboard in London

My photo
We (Mike Lurie, Greg Dunbar, Lauren Buono, Shawn Riley & Bryn Coveney) are a group of students studying abroad in London for the semester from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. This blog is to document our class experiences in "The Keyboard and it's Role in London Society" course, which is being taught by Diane Birr at the Ithaca College London Center, in South Kensington. Our studies focus on keyboard instruments (the Virginal, Harpsichord, Pianoforte, Piano, Organ, Electronic keyboard) and explore how these instruments are historically interwoven with the personal and social fabric of London society.

Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Southbank Centre







WEDNESDAY, 19 MARCH 2008

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Lill, piano
Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre

London's Southbank Centre is one of the important hubs for arts in this great city.  Included in the many venues are the performance spaces, the Royal Festival and Queen Elizabeth Halls.  The class attended a concert by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which included a performance of Brahms' 2nd Piano Concerto with English pianist, John Lill.  Also featured on the program were Richard Strauss' tone poems, Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche and Tod und Verklarung.

"The Brahms was such an incredibly large piece full of complex rhythms, 2 against 3 between piano and orchestra, and a lovely rich full orchestral sound. The pianist was wonderful, and the conductor was incredible considering he filled in last minute! After the intermission we moved into the seats above the orchestra and watched closely as they played the Stauss.
It was such a powerful feeling being so close!"
--Lauren

"I've seen concerts at Carnegie Hall and cathedrals around the world, but this orchestra seemed to portray an entirely different level of professionalism. It was spot on with the recording; the sweeping motions of the bows across the violins, violas, cellos and bass along with the pounding of the tympani and jabbing of the conductor's baton made the whole experience personal."
--Mike

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