Sunday, June 8, 2008
KEY WITNESSES - the social context

1) Who were the audience? Why were they there?

This performance was not very well-attended – only the stalls were filled – and likely reasons for this are: a lack of publicity, the high price of the tickets, as well as it being a duet instead of an orchestral performance. Due to it being a Chinese Festival event, those who attended the concert were mainly Chinese, with both Singaporean Chinese and Chinese Nationals in the audience. The listeners were there for many reasons, some of them came to hear a new young talent from their homeland, some came to hear a rising star in the world music scene, and some came just for a relaxing night out. With regards to the second reason, it must not be forgotten that Feng Ning has already begun to make his mark in competitions and concert halls worldwide.

2) What was the intended mood, and how was it effectively created?

The intended mood was one of simplicity and intimacy, where music could be appreciated in its most pure form. This casual atmosphere was achieved first with the relaxed postures of both musicians, the friendly smiles they gave the audience, and the firm communication they showed with each other. Both musicians wore black, allowing them to fade away from the limelight even as they held the centre-stage, and letting the music take the focus.

3) How did the performers relate to the audience, and vice versa?

The choice of pieces helped to bring an intimate relation across, as the pieces Feng Ning and Lim Yan played spanned every genre, from the Chinese classic ‘Sunshine Over Tashkurgan’ to the modern, 12-tone ‘Violin Sonata No. 1” by Schnittke, the contemporary German composer. This varied programme made the music reach out to everyone in the audience – Chinese nationals, music-lovers and modern-music fans alike – and reduced the distance between those on and off the stage.Though few words were exchanged, and there was no autograph session during the intermission, Feng Ning’s broad, easy-going style and mannerisms (as well as his beautifully varied facial expressions) endeared him to the audience immediately.

4:49 PM; MEP Concert Review '08

-the reviewer-

Kwek Mu Yi Theophilus
162K2oo8
riMEP

Who?! - PERFORMERS

Feng Ning and Lim Yan -
A Violin and Piano Recital


When?! - CONCERT DETAILS

11th February, 2008, Monday
Esplanade Concert Hall

What?! - the PIECES

Ludwig van Beethoven - Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 12, No. 2

Alfred Schittke - Violin Sonata No. 1

Henry Vieuxtemps - ballade et Polonaise, Op. 38

INTERMISSION

Robert Schumann - Violin Sonata No. 2 in D minor, Op. 121

Chen Gang - Sunshine over Tashkurgan

Nicolo Paganini - I Palpiti`

Nicolo Paganini - Cantabile (Encore)

Echo - COMMENTS