First Faculty Recital, April 1, 2010

Program:
Handel, Suite in E major - Air & Variations "Harmonious Blacksmith"
Mozart, Sonata in D major for 4 hands,K. 381 (With Connie Donatelli)
Hough/Chen, Pining for the Spring Breeze
Brahms, Intermezzo in A major, op. 118 no. 2
Tcherepnin, Five "Chinese" Concert Etudes, op. 52 no. 5
Chopin, Barcarolle, op. 60

I originally wanted to program Gottschalk's Souvenir de Porto Rico and decided to drop the piece. It would be nice to just play a clean and prepared program. I think it is already fairly ambitious as it stands right now. All these pieces would be just to introduce myself to the college. Since the recital is on April Fools' Day, there will be a prank of course.

This would be my first recital without a teacher. It has dawned on me that this recital I'm playing for myself and not really for anyone else.It is both exciting and nerve racking at the same time. I also have not performed for about a year now since I had to focus on writing and my transition to a new life in Kansas. I decided to use a CD-recorder to record my practice sessions so I can review them myself. I would rather be able to have instant playback but since I don't own the technology, I'll be content with what I have now. I am very happy that my college owns a nice concert Steinway and I'm rebuilding my stamina to handle that piano.

I also worked up the courage to listen to my last DMA recital. I am pleasantly surprised at my own playing and I did better than I thought. I knew that I was playing under a lot of pressure that afternoon, along with being sick.

I know I can play a great recital in two weeks, now if I would just convince myself. :) Confidence is now the name of the game.