Piano recitals have always been a culminating event for us - something we practice for, look forward to (Ha!), and plan around. But this one - in the middle of baseball playoffs, swim team practice (2 hrs daily), pack meetings, birthday parties (Brigham is 6! Pictures coming soon), and end-of-school projects, field trips, and exams - the piano recital just seemed to happen to us whether we liked it or not. But despite our running-around life the last little while and our hit and miss practicing, the boys were spectacular (if a little unpolished). My video skills, on the other hand, were not spectacular - sorry.
Brigham played Musette (that almost got nixed from the program because he played it "stomping like a troll" at his lesson. . . then super-speed silly. . . then exaggerated slow again - and grumpy. . . all accompanied by ten minute interludes where he refused to play at all. His teacher was beside herself. It took some begging (from me) two days before the recital to get the piece back on the program. So when you see how beautifully he plays Musette on this video, you can thank me) and Allegretto II by Czerny. He played like a champ - even when his teacher adjusted the piano bench (piled high with cushions) in the middle of his performance. Good job Brigham!
Isaac played Little Playmates by Chwatal and a simplified version of Haydn's Surprise Symphony (where I make my own recital debut playing the duet part). He did a great job and loved playing with his mama! He also loved reading his (smuggled in) comic books and making paper airplanes (and faces at Clayton) during the other performances. Isaac has finally decided that he likes piano recitals. Go Isaac!
Clayton played Sonatina (Mvt. 1) and Romance (Mvt. 2) in G Major by Beethoven. Clayton really enjoys playing now and I love watching and listening to him. He has a piano competition on Thursday where he will play ten memorized pieces in front of judges. I am amazed that with so much going on in the last few months, he even had time to learn ten pieces. Way to go Clayton!
At the end of the recital all the children were presented with certificates and trophies - the best part! Clayton and Isaac also received medals for their scores on the national music theory exam. Then they lined up for a group picture. When the photographer asked Isaac to move to the front, Isaac said, "I don't go in front. I'm not a beginner." to which the photographer replied. "No, it's because you're small." To which Isaac responded with this look: (thanks to Jess for taking this close-up. you're right, it is blog-worthy!)
Congratulations Clayton, Isaac, and Brig on another piano recital. . .
may there be many many many more!!!
1 comment:
Great job boys! All of your boys are completely amazing. And might I add that YOU weren't too shabby yourself! I completely remember playing the pieces that Clayton played when I was younger. Although, I'm pretty sure I never played them so beautifully.
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