Delicate, gentle and graceful fingers were flying over the keyboard as butterflies over flowers, as the beautiful classical music was filling the Estevan St. Paul’s United Church. Leah Macfarlane held a piano recital on May 26.
A talented 17-years-old pianist who lives in Carnduff played nine compositions including pieces by Eckhardt-Gramatte, Debussy, Liszt, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Rachmaninov. All compositions had a different charming story to tell, but Liebestraum No. 3 by Liszt and Etude Tableaux Op. 33 No. 8 by Rachmaninov were marked as Macfarlane’s favourites.
“I like romantic composers a lot and I also like more lyrical pieces,” said Macfarlane.
She also noted that she had no idea how much of a workout was Liszt’s piece until her teacher introduced her to it, and then she ended up loving it.
Macfarlane soon will have her exams in Brandon, Manitoba, and also will participate in provincials in Moose Jaw. The Sunday recital was an opportunity for her to practice and showcase her program in front of the public.
“Getting to play on the really nice piano is always fun with all the people there. It’s always cool to experience that,” said Macfarlane.
The instrument plays a big role in performance. Usually, Macfarlane practices on an upright piano, and she always enjoys when she gets a chance to play as professional pianists using a grand piano.
“It really affects the sound of each of the pieces. It’s nice to play on a different piano,” said Macfarlane.
Over 50 people came from Carnduff, Oxbow, Estevan and area to join Macfarlane for the beautiful musical journey through centuries and stories, created by the great composer and retold by the young musician. The recital went well, and as Macfarlane defined, “it was fun.” Her teacher, Larysa Arkhypova, who was present at the recital, was proud of her student and was very happy with how everything went.
At the provincials, Macfarlane will play four out of nine pieces, and she will use seven out of nine for her exam. Both upcoming events bring up her emotions.
“I’m excited. And I’m obviously a little nervous… It’s a good thing to get feedback from other people and at provincials to hear what everyone else is playing and to get inspired by other people,” Macfarlane noted.
She admitted that exam makes her feel more stressed, but the Estevan performance, which was very beautiful, inspiring and was played very clean, made the audience believe that she will do great at both events.
