This feels really strange- but my colleague, good friend, and office neighbor Dimitri Shapovalov made me promise that I would post on my blog the note that he was going to write about my recital. (Some of you probably saw this on Facebook.)
Greg, I just want to write you a note and say that yesterday was a truly special day. I was overwhelmed with awe, empathy, and joy as I listened to your wonderful performance, and I can honestly say that your recital was one of two or three best recitals that I have witnessed on this campus–and this includes the Chamber Series. What you managed to accomplish, as you effortlessly weaved together singing, accompanying, and story-telling, is something that all of us musicians aspire in every undertaking: to create a complete musical experience that resonates with our hearts and minds. Everywhere I look, musicians of the highest caliber attempt to bridge the gap between the kind of standard performance mode that, while impressive and inspiring, is not necessarily always personal, and the expectations of their audiences, who long for something extra than a brilliant display of artistry.
What you allowed us to experience the kind of rare occasion where the personal became so meaningful as to be part of the music’s very identity. Not too many people–again, of the highest caliber–have managed to achieve this, although many do try. One of the most telling moments in the entire concert was the moment when the audience sang Amazing Grace the second time, in harmony. You looked up from the piano, and I could tell that you were touched by the kind of sound you were hearing. I looked to my right and saw Woody, with tears streaming down his eyes.
After the concert, Eduardo nearly deprived the old lady in the row ahead of him of hearing by his enthusiastic whistles, and we all looked at Corinne (whose own recital is coming up this Sunday) and said: “Well, you are next–no pressure!”).
This is Greg again . . . and for the record, I don’t think Corinne has anything to worry about.
I also want to say that I am really glad that Dimitri singled out that last verse of Amazing Grace as one of his favorite moments from the recital. That was actually a very last minute thought. As I looked out on the audience early in the recital, I realized that I couldn’t possibly let the afternoon go by without letting them join in the singing at some point. Otherwise, what a waste that would have been! And when I heard that jaw-droppingly beautiful sound rolling out of the audience, I could hardly believe my ears. That was the crowning glory of the program, in my opinion, because that was the moment above all others which so clearly affirmed that it was not about me and my voice and my abilities at the piano. . . it was about the gift of singing itself. And as we all joined together, from 5-year-old Juliana Marchese to 95-year-old Henrietta Welch, we were one amazing choir! Talk about “How Sweet the Sound” !