Concert review by Bronislaw Sozanski...
As part of the Ballarat Organs and Fine Music Festival this January, Jerry Wong delivered an outstanding recital, performing on the historic 1913 Bechstein piano at the Ballarat Mechanics Institute. The natural contrasts of dark and light in the human experience formed the basis of the program, supported by an instrument from a time when pianos displayed greater variety of timbre across their range.
The Godowsky transcription of JS Bach’s Andante from the Am violin sonata was played with lyricism at the forefront, while the shaping of the phrases was perfectly executed. The contrapuntal textures remained clear throughout. The light also shone from Beethoven’s Op.31/3 sonata, particularly in the graceful Menuetto. The melodic line remained purposeful while the dance character was elegantly maintained. The technical demands of the faster movements were securely realised, with the playful character ever present. The piano mostly responded well, with some limitation of sustain and speed of action.
Miriam Hyde’s “Valley of Rocks” and Liszt’s “Vallee d’Oberman” revealed the mystery of shadow and uncertainty, the former with great tonal contrasts and tense harmonies, the latter with a patient but broody narrative. Both works gradually unfolded the story from a quiet opening to a grand climax using an orchestral palette at the piano. This was effectively realised by Jerry Wong.
