(an 18th-Century Harpsichord)
posted by Dianne Donovan, KMFA Announcer
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of attending an entertaining harpsichord concert/lecture by Keith Womer (director of La Follia Austin). Mr. Womer performed works by Bach, Froberger, Couperin, and Scarlatti, as well as modern works by Locklair and Angle, at the Armstrong Community Music School’s Preece Recital Hall.
He expounded on such details as ideal acoustics, how and why a harpsichord will “prefer” a particular room or hall, as well as common misconceptions: although it resembles a piano, it behaves more like a guitar, because the strings are plucked, not hammered. Overall it was a very enjoyable and enlightening demonstration! Keith Womer’s enthusiasm for the instrument is positively infectious and was reflected in his fine performance.
If you missed out on last Sunday’s concert, check out this Sunday’s program, wherein Keith Womer and Don Simons, both esteemed harpsichordists, will join efforts in “Music for Two Harpsichords,” including works by Buxtehude, Bach, Handel, Couperin, and Rameau. The performance will be at the Preece Recital Hall, Armstrong Community Music School, and the concert begins at 4pm.
This past Sunday, I was fortunate to have acquired tickets to The Eroica Trio… they performed a stunning concert at Bates Recital Hall, UT Butler School of Music, as part of The Austin Chamber Music Festival. I really enjoyed the colorful and varied program that showcased both the talents of the individuals as well as the group’s uncanny sense of “oneness.” The highlight for me was the Piano Trio no. 1 by Edouard Lalo with it’s achingly beautiful “romance/andante” movement. Now I realize why this trio is one of the most sought-after in the classical music world.
Check out the June issue of Austin Woman Magazine to read up about KMFA announcer Dianne Donovan. In the article Dianne shares what her life is like outside of KMFA including, singing, cooking classes, and even the soothing effects of yoga.
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