Viola Bouquet - a Chamber Music Concert in Kuwait Music Academy

An extraordinary Chamber Concert took place in Kuwait on the evening of Friday, February 7th at the Kuwait Music Academy (KMA). A set of timeless music pieces by four renowned composers was masterfully presented by three pedagogues of the Academy: Dmitry Krasnikov on viola, Kinga Masternak on piano and Viktor Shramko on clarinet.

Chamber music is sometimes described as 'the music of friends' because it is composed for a small group of musicians playing together. It is also referred to as 'music for friends' because it is 'room, home music'. The great German poet J.W. Goethe called it 'a rational people conversing', thinking of the sort of intimate dialogue between musicians and the circle of friends gathered around.

'VIOLA BOUQUET' was the name of the event. VIOLA at the hand of Mr. Dmitrii was the leader of the event. It is such a 'bigger violin' with a deep, warm, and juicy sound. Its name comes from Italian 'vitula – joy'! One of its ancestors was called 'Viola d'amore' (loving). Some of the samples were made by legendary masters like Stradivari or Amati. Also, on the viola played N. Paganini. He even ordered for himself a Viola Concerto from G. Bizet, the author of the opera 'Carmen'.

'The BOUQUET'  turned out to be five very romantic music stories presented by our stars. The first two were works by the late German Romantic Max Bruch (1838-1920). The lovely 'Romance' and Double Concerto for Mr. Dmitrii on viola and Mr. Viktor on clarinet, with Mrs. Kinga on piano. It is a very rare set in the concert repertoire, stemming from the fact that Bruch's son, Max, was a clarinet player. Bruch's music blends lush melodies with emotional depth and his own distinct expressiveness.

Another creation was 'Ballade' by the legendary Belgian violinist, Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931). He wrote about this piece: 'I have let my imagination wander at will'.

Next in the program were 'Frères' (in Latin – Brothers) by contemporary Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt, born in 1935, 90 years ago. He is known for his unique, bell-like style of composition. The piece from 1977 'combines frantic activities and sublime stillness' and 'the instant and eternity are struggling within us', describes the author.

The highlight of the event was 'Le Grand Tango' by the great Argentinian, Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992). From childhood, he played the bandoneon (Argentinian accordion). Studying and growing up in Paris and New York, he became the essence of the sound of Argentina and the creator of Nueva Tango. I remember a great spectacle on Broadway without one word; only lights, dance, a band led by bandoneons, playing Piazzolla's tangos, and a fascinating story about love, hate, life, and death. Years later, with my wife, we hurried back because they were on tour coming to Warsaw.

World Class Mastery on Kuwaiti Stage

On 'Viola Bouquet' concert, the artist presented to the audience fascinating musical stories. The perfect technique of the performing musician was not like acrobatic fireworks but real virtuosity. The subtlety of details (although not meticulous) combined with the construction of musical form was visible, or rather audible. The mastery and emotional intensity of Mr. Dmitrii and Mrs. Kinga as an excellent pianist (even lately more known for vocal performances) were supported in Bruch's Double Concerto by the mastery of their colleague, Mr. Viktor.

Sometimes somebody spells notes only, but somebody plays senses and stories. Excellent narration – totally caught listeners' attention. They were really guided throughout the beautiful music fables. I was lucky to travel to play as well as attend so many concerts at prestigious places, but in my opinion, such a concert would take place and be successful everywhere on the world stages. The enchanted audience applauded stars from our Kuwaiti musical horizon with a long-standing ovation.

Written by

Cezary Owerkowicz