William Grant Still (1895-1978)
Violinist Aisha Syed brings warmth, virtuosity to Zankel Hall recital
Aisha Syed may not be a household name in the world of the classical
violin, and probably won’t become one anytime soon. But she brought a
refreshing program of short, snappy works to Zankel Hall Thursday night
as part of the Dominican Heritage and Culture Society’s 3rd Annual Concert: Heritage.
The tour is designed to gain awareness for the Dominican Republic’s
dedication to the arts and to provide scholarships for worthy students.
After 20 minutes or so of tributes to the Dominican Republic Heritage
and Culture Society, advertisers, sponsors, and board members, the
featured soloist and her accompanist, pianist Martin Labazevitch,
launched into a program of encore favorites blended with selections from
composers whose works deserve to be heard more often. The general feel
of the program was festive, but subdued, a musical holiday suitable for a
luncheon soiree.
The program opened with 20th century composer William Grant Still’s
Suite for Violin and Piano, an ebullient dialogue that weaves jazz
motifs with classical influences. It was both refreshing and instructive
to hear this excellent composition — often performed among other Still
works during Black History month — presented on its purely musical
merits and given a spirited rendition by both musicians. There was some
confusion because the work was listed twice in the program, and the
enthusiastic audience burst into applause several times, but Syed, a
true professional, kept on playing with poise and confidence.
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