Awadagin Pratt made his first wide impact on the American classical music scene with his debut CD, “A Long Way from Normal,” a punning reference to his childhood in Normal, Illinois, and his dreadlocked appearance. While primarily active as a pianist, he graduated from music school with three degrees, in piano, violin, and conducting, and he is also an active conductor. A Professor of Piano at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, he also runs a piano festival on Long Island, and tours widely. Having previously heard him only on recordings, I was greatly looking forward to his debut at Maverick Concerts in Woodstock on August 16th. He definitely did not disappoint.
Pratt’s first half listed seven pieces by seven composers*. Before beginning, he told the audience that he would not be playing them in printed order. I recognized opener as Phillip Glass, typically devoid of content although almost made interesting by Pratt’s nuanced, involvement. He segued into Couperin.
After that, he lost me for a while, as he continued connecting numbers into a medley.
***
Pratt had one last surprise for us. William Grant Still’s Summerland, which had been listed for the first half, came instead an encore. Bravo. Bring Pratt back soon.
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