Mahan Esfahani (2010-05 USA-DC Concert-Classical)

Harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani performs Baroque and Classical music

Aesthetic: 3
Technical: 4
Structure: 1
Emotional: 2

Overall: 3

This was an emotional performance for Mahan Esfahani, who was able to play on Wanda Landowska's own Pleyel harpsichord. She's the one responsible for bringing it back for the harpsicord in the 20th century. Only after the performance, at the Q&A, did I learn more about the technical differences of this instrument and how it was more difficult to play. We were lucky to have some serious instrumentalists there asking questions.

Esfahani's performance was masterful. The technicality of the pieces and layered notes did not prevent me from closing my eyes and relaxing. I am not the biggest fan of the harpsichord sound, especially the baroque style tuning and melodies, but I was able to enjoy the performance. Some of the other pieces he chose to perform were excellently delicate or foot-tap inducing and different from the standard affair. I particularly enjoyed sections where he played notes where certain strings were decoupled and it sounded similar to a classical guitar.

Also, Esfahani was like a comedian in between songs. A nice treat to the performance, I must say. It was a tough crowd, though, many seniors and real technical instrument people!

Ensemble Caprice (2010-05 USA-DC Concert)

Ensemble Caprice perform Bach, Telemann, and the Bohemian Gypsies

Aesthetic: 4
Technical: 2
Structure: 2
Emotional: 4

Overall: 4

This was quite a unique performance and delightful surprise to the performances that typically grace the Library of Congress. Along with interesting anecdotes of how Bach was an asshole at times, calling someone a "Zippelfagottist", the music was refreshing and energetic. It perhaps can be described as Classical Baroque in Gypsy style. Gypsy music, like jazz, contains much improvisation and melodic twists, expanded through shorter melodies.

Ensemble Caprice's performance was just enthralling, it was a treat to watch the performers feast off of each others enthusiasm. Needless to say, it was entertaining just to watch them. And it was nice seeing some serious recorder sections.

At times they were perhaps a bit too into it and did not seem as in sync as they could be, and their solo's were not technically impressive, but their style and energy did induce rhythmic clapping in the audience, something I can't say I've seen before in a classical music environment. If it was a little warmer (we were informed the room was colder than normal for the instruments, and oh did they sound sweet), there totally would've been some shindigging!

All in all, it was a great performance, too bad their CD's sold out!