Local lovers of classical piano were treated to a captivating performance by Pretoria-based pianist Tinus Botha on Saturday.
Botha mesmerised the intimate gathering with a technically masterful performance of a selection of pieces by Mendelssohn, Schumann and Chopin.
Local lovers of classical piano were treated to a captivating performance by Pretoria-based pianist Tinus Botha on Saturday.
Botha mesmerised the intimate gathering with a technically masterful performance of a selection of pieces by Mendelssohn, Schumann and Chopin.
Hunched over the keyboard with his eyes closed in intense concentration, Botha paused for what seemed like an eternity before gently bringing forth the sounds of Felix Mendelssohn’s Songs without Words.
Performing 10 songs from the series of eight books, Botha showed off his range and technical variety coping equally well with the slower, more romantic andante con mottos as he did with the faster paced prestos.
Most impressive was his performance of Robert Schumann’s Sonata no. 2 in G minor, op. 22. With good pedal technique, Botha treated the audience to artful transitions from robust mezzo fortes to diminutive pianos.
He demonstrated his exemplary fingering technique as his fingers beat the keys faster than the wings of a hummingbird in the air, and ended the night with a consummate performance of Etudes, op.
10 by Frederic Chopin the transition between the different opuses indistinguishable to the untrained ear. Botha, who is visiting the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology, gave a truly commendable performance, and earned the respect and admiration of the audience.
Hopefully members of the Grahamstown community will be given another opportunity to hear this masterful pianist perform something which should certainly not be missed.
