RIANNA SEELIG
Special to the Leader
This past Wednesday evening, Rosch Recital Hall was filled with a vast array of individuals eager to hear the critically-auded violinist and conductor David Leung and the awe-inspiring pianist Stijn De Cock.
The two performed a total of four pieces: “12 Variations on ‘Se vuol ballare’ for Violin and Piano, WoO 40” (Ludwig von Beethoven), “Grand duo concertant sur le ‘Le marin’, S.128” (Franz Liszt), “Spiegel im Spiegel” (Arvo Pärt) and the concluding piece “Sonata No. 3 in D minor” (Johannes Brahms).
The opening piece was taken from the first act of the opera, “The Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart. The version played was a variation by Beethoven. Leung stated the piece was not often played, and received a fair amount of criticism for “sounding too much like Mozart.”
Leung informed the audience that in times where music was not as readily-available, individuals would take to composing their own versions of pieces by famous composers. This allowed them to listen to music similar to that of the popular artists of the time, but did not require them to travel far distances to do so.
The aria follows Figaro after discovering the plot of another male character, the Count, to steal his wife. The piece acts as a warning to the Count. Figaro assures him in the piece that should he attempt to carry out the scheme, he will be foiled by Figaro. Leung and De Cock left the crowd cheering after a passionate performance displaying musical humor, rage and lust.
The second piece, a two-part 19th century Romantic duet, was taken from the opera “Le marin,” or “The Marine.” Leung gave a brief introduction of each piece, and stated Le marin was a rarely-heard of opera, often forgotten or overlooked. The movements mimic different characteristics of the sea (waves, storms, etc.), most prominent in the piano composition. Leung stated, “hopefully, it won’t make you sick. But, that is the point!”
“Spiegel im Spiegel,” the third piece performed, is a duet for piano and violin (at times replaced with a cello or viola). The title roughly translates from the German to “mirror in the mirror,” referencing the concept of the “infinity mirror” or the “never-ending mirror.” This is reflected musically by the repeating tonic triads.
The final number, “Sonata No. 3 in D minor” (another Romantic piece), consisted of four movements: “Allegro,” “Adagio,” “Un poco presto e con sentimento” and “Presto agitato.” The piece was the last of Brahms’ violin sonatas. The performance concluded with passionate applause, and a brief Q&A with Leung and De Cock.
Leung is currently an associate professor of violin at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the music director of Saint Mary’s Chamber Orchestra. He continues to perform and teach around the world at various master classes and concerts.
De Cock remains a revered soloist, chamber musician and teacher in both the United States and abroad. Both men have music featured on Spotify, YouTube and personal websites. Those interested in seeing them perform should look to their websites for future concert dates, times and tickets.