In the Hands
Paul Cantrell’s music
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Piano music old and new from a devoted amateur,
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Zo o'clock and all's well (Wed Sep 1)

Tonight was a satisfying finish to the week’s little mad rush, and the first full house of this round. The fellow who rebuilt my piano, and made it the great instrument it is, was here tonight. It was the first time he’d heard it since I bought it. I hope he saw how well-loved it is!

  • Schumann – Bunte Blätter 6
  • Bach – Sinfonia 5
  • Cantrell – Cradle Waltz
  • Cantrell – Entropic Waltz
  • Carei Thomas – Fragrance XIV: Cjalme
  • Brahms – Intermezzo Op 116 No 4
  • Chopin – Nocturne Op 55 No 1
  • Todd Harper – Thoughts at 4 AM
  • Cantrell – In a Perfectly Wounded Sky
  • Brahms – Intermezzo Op 117 No 1
  • Chopin – Ballade No 3

Best ballade yet since college, thanks to a critique from Don on Monday which boiled down to “don’t let the rhythmic sense of the dance destroy the syntax.” Esoteric performer talk there, but I think the audience felt they difference — they responded strongly to the piece tonight. (Hmm. A realization: although it’s a little disconcerting at times, I like facing the audience and being so close to them; it lets me gauge their reactions to a degree I never can on stage.)

Comments

Todd

Thank for the intimate concert! Rarely do I have the chance to sit so close to a powerful piano, in the hands of someone who loves it. I also loved the life Paul brought to my “little” composition. ( thoughts at 4 am). So inspiring, ( while perspiring) concerts like this make me want to live forever. Paul. I want to hear you play some impressionists, les Six, and Scriaben! Thanks.
your buddy,
Todd

Steven

A few words of thanks, Paul, for an exceptional and powerful experience. I hesitate to break the whole into parts, but a few component elements that stand out – your expressive playing, the magnificent piano, the proximity of that incredible instrument to my (vibrating) body, the program of old and new. The fairly familiar Ballade was astonishingly new. The ultimate concert experience. Thanks.

Steven