Before I begin my review on Wu Han, David Finckel, and Philip Setzer, let me just point out that I am a dancer and an artist, but by no means am I a musician. My mother made me take piano when I was in 2nd grade and I enjoyed it up until about 5th grade when I realized I loved sports and dance much more. After that the only instrument I considered learning to play was the drums, and that was only because I could hit something.
Therefore, before I went to see Han, Finckel, and Setzer perform the Schubert Piano Trios I had no idea what to expect. I had done a fair amount of research on the musicians for the Hancher Intern video, and I knew that they were world class, highly acclaimed, etc, etc. But what does that mean for a musician? I mean, if you hit the right keys on a piano, does it not sound the same for you as for anyone else? And if you pull the bow across the violin, the effect is the same, is it not?
No.
As soon as the three began to play their instruments I knew that I was in for an unexpected and beautiful experience. They didn’t just play their instruments they danced with them. Wu Han would toy with her head as she interacted with the piano. During high or fast notes her head would move back and forth with the music, and during the dramatic parts of the piece she practically jumped off of the bench. (I would bet money that her bottom did leave the bench at least a few times.)
Wu Han’s husband, David Finckel, was continually making faces towards the audience as well as his fellow musicians. (He and his wife would exchange a few words here and there). He often smiled, and when he had a brake from playing, he would listen to the other two, and then make a face that seemed to say, “Do you hear that beautiful music? I think I’ll play along.” And then he would begin again.
Philip Setzer was a different story entirely. The only time that I saw him smile at all was during the bow. When he was with his violin, it was all business (or maybe “passion” would be a better word). He was so serious, but it was incredible to watch. Here is a man who could be anyone from an ex-football player, to a businessman, to a chef. But as a large man, he plays this –what seems to be – tiny instrument in an incredible way, and the effect is riveting.
During about the first half-hour of the performance I was completely captured by the artists in front of me that I lost track of where I was. But I didn’t care. All that mattered was the music, and the musicians playing it. After a while, however, I was able to “come back to earth” and realize that this is what makes a great musician: the ability to capture the audience. And no, it does not sound equivalent if I play the same note as Wu Han, or if I take the bow across the violin in the “same way” as Philip Setzer. For, the effect is not the same. Those musicians have passion and their passion can be heard in their music.
— Sarah Carusona
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