Fan Facts of the Carnegie Hall Concerts!

Eight members participated in our virtual musicale on October 22. Utako played Chopin’s Etude Op. 25 No. 1, the Aeolian harp; Natale played Scriabin’s Impromptu No. 2; and, Sabine played the Fantasia in C minor by Mozart. All performances were top notch.Sam then presented his updated project “How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?Practice! and Research”. This is a fascinating research project utilizing information from the Carnegie Hall database, a public resource – full of fun facts that you can use to impress your friends and others!

t makes it interesting? Write a catchy description to grab your audience's attention...

(Submitted by Kimber Kwiatkowski)

Fourteen members and a guest, ranging from Texas, Oregon, and Minnesota to Georgia, gathered on Zoom on October 8, 2020 for our weekly musicale. The performers were: Michael Brounoff playing the first movement of Schubert’s Sonata in A minor, D. 784; Natale Farrell playing Kapustin’s Sonatina Op. 100; Utako Tanigawa playing Scarlatti’s Sonata K. 27/L. 449; and Shoko Tanaka playing the Brahms Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118 No. 2. All of the performances were very convincing. The highlight of the musicale was Board Member Shoko Tanaka’s presentation about her life and music. Please enjoy it at https://youtu.be/gvvlm2DsCdg.

​

(Submitted by Kimber Kwiatkowski)

The musicale on October 2, 2020 proved to be entertaining and enlightening. Eighteen

members, from the continental US to Japan, participated. New member Judy Darst

played Chopin’s Harp Etude and Schumann’s Romance in F#; new member Michael

Brounoff played the second movement of Schubert’s Sonata in A Major, D. 664; and

Utako Tanigawa played Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso Op. 14. All performances

were polished and excellent. As a special treat, Ruth Purcell sang and played her

mountain dulcimer that she made! She performed Apple Picker’s Reel by Larry Hanks

(older brother of Tom).

The new members then discussed their varied and interesting backgrounds.

J. MICHAEL BROUNOFF

I am a retired attorney and judge living in Plano, Texas.  I took piano lessons from age 6

through high school.  In law school I directed the music for the satirical review, Assault

and Flattery.  While a practicing attorney I directed the music for local productions of

Broadway musicals.  I resumed formal piano study at age 53 with Dr. Tamas Ungar of

Texas Christian University and Dr. Fred Karpoff of Syracuse University.  I am a three-

time semi-finalist at the Cliburn amateur piano competition and, through attending Piano

Texas, a five-time soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony.

Judy Darst

I was born in Minnesota (1936) and wanted to be a Veterinarian.  Women were

discouraged at that time, Plus I was lousy at Math so opted for Music.  I started lessons at

age 8 and didn’t like it at first.  When we moved to a small town outside of Minneapolis I

had a wonderful teacher, Louise Guhl.  I was at Carleton College Northfield Minn. for 2

years then transferred to the U. Of Colorado Boulder.  I married right out of College and

started teaching at home.. though my background was in Performance.  I taught for 42

years, got my National Certification, and did adjudication for National Guild of Piano

Teachers.  I had 2 boys, Seth the older now a Professor at Rockefeller in Manhattan (

Molecular Bio Physicist) became a fine Pianist.  I started teaching him at age 8..but he

needed to go somewhere else.  I started a Piano Group in Loveland Colorado, was a

performing member of Ladies Musical Club in Seattle and currently live in Bend

Oregon.  When we moved to Oregon in 2005 I became interested in the Amateur Piano

Competitions and have participated ..Wash. DC, WIPAC, Chicago, Boston, Colorado

Springs and San Diego.  I showed horses oven fences (Hunter Division) and taught

Country Line Dancing  but now am more interested in Piano than ever, more appropriate

for my age.  With the current situation I find bringing up things I have done in the past,

seeing them in a new light ..is rewarding.  I look forward to participating in this Group!

10/2 Musicale YouTube Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxrkjeVCTd4&t=99s

​

(Submitted by Kimber Kwiatkowski)

Eighteen members of GMG, some from as far away as Oregon and Texas, gathered today for a most informative and enjoyable musicale. Judy Manganiello treated everyone to the hauntingly beautiful Theme from Schindler’s List by John Williams. Pam Martin then gave a special presentation on her personal journey with Chopin’s Ballade No. 4. She discussed her research of the piece, including a book, score, and recording, the specifics of which she posted on the blog. She also graciously agreed to post her roadmap, a detailed musical analysis which is invaluable in learning the piece. Her performance of the Ballade was beautiful, even though she prefaced it by saying that it is a work in progress.

Utako Tanigawa skillfully played Schubert’s Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3 and discussed some of the challenges of the piece including dynamics and difficult reaches due to hand size. She ended the musicale by reminding everyone of the Scarlatti celebration on October 30 in which everyone is encouraged to play one or two Scarlatti sonatas.

​

(Submitted by Kimber Kwiatkowski)

The 9/17/20 Virtual Musicale was very well attended and enjoyed.

Performers were: Natale Farrell, Carol Wazlavek

Presenters were: Julie Coucheron, Anna Armstrong

Listeners were: Utako Tanigawa, Tom Slavicek, Mr. and Mrs. Coucheron (Julie's parents joining us from Norway!), Asa Williams, Ed Ewing, Judy Manganiello, Shoko Tanaka, Richard Bishop, Michael Bronoff (joining from Texas), Maggie Frick.

The musicale started with two lovely performances. Natale Farrell, one of our newer members, played the Rachmaninoff Elegie, a very challenging and "Rachmaninoff-y" piece; it was her first try at performing this piece and we all enjoyed it very much. Then Carol Wazlavek played an excerpt from Chopin's Ballade #2, another difficult piece. Again, we loved hearing this and were pleased to see our participants playing pieces both formidable and varied.

A new member, Michael Bronoff, asked Carol why she only played part, not all, of the Ballade. Carol and Utako both explained to him that one of the features of these musicales is that members can try out pieces, or portions thereof, several times before playing them in formal recitals. That is one of the goals of GMG since the beginning - we are all invited to play for others informally in order to polish our musical and performing skills.

The last 30 minutes of the musicale featured Julie Coucheron, an internationally recognized solo and chamber music artist. GMG member Anna Armstrong has been a student of Julie since last November and Anna introduced Julie to the group. Anna played a short clip of Julie playing the last part of Mendelssohn's Piano Trio #1, 1st movement, with David Coucheron (Julie's brother and concertmaster of the ASO) and Christopher Rex (past principal cellist of the ASO). This clip showed a rehearsal of the trio, which was performed two weeks ago as part of the Amelia Island Chamber Festival. Anna explained that she wanted this video to illustrate the virtuosity and passion in this trio, as representative of so much of the chamber music repertoire.

This led to a very informative and interesting discussion with Julie, including a demonstration by Julie at her piano of the different way that the opening of the Trio #1 would be played by the pianist as a chamber musician as opposed to a solo performance. The feel and dynamics of the piano part were completely different, with Julie even singing the opening bars of the cello part as she played to illustrate the collaborative nature of this music.

We were very lucky to have Julie Coucheron as our guest, with her musicality and enthusiasm providing an inside view of chamber music performance. We hope to follow up with another session on the chamber music repertoire in the future.

​

(Submitted by Anna Armstrong)

We had a new guest, Natale who is a pianist and piano teacher in Roswell. Welcome, Natale!

All the participants truly enjoyed the excellent presentation by Carol Wazlavek. She will post her presentation available to you soon. After Carol's Chopin Ballade #2, Utako played Scarlatti K.380/L.23 and explained briefly the characteristics of this music.

Then all the participants joined to share their special music in their lives. They are Rachmaninoff Concerto #2, Chopin's music including e minor Waltz, Gail-Haydn Trio, orchestral pieces such as Prokofiev's and Mendelssohn's.

Next week, Pam Martin will play and present Chopin Ballade #4!

See you next Wednesday, 9/9!

​

(Submitted by Utako Tanigawa)

Presenter: Ed Ewing

Performer: Utako Tanigawa

Listeners: Tom Slavicek, Carol Wazlavek, Kimber Kwiatkowski, Julie Woodall, Shoko Tonaka, Gail Starr, Anna Armstrong, Fran Richards, Pam Martin, Ruth Purcell, Gloria Rockoff, Annette Russo

Ed Ewing began with a presentation of his own art work. Ed's paintings came to life for us as he told the story that accompanied each one. We could see Christina working at the gym where Ed met her. He used charcoal on paper for her beautiful portrait. Several paintings originated from photos that Ed had taken during his travels. We could imagine the two men having the conversation in Guatamala or the Omani women at the mosque. Most of Ed's work today was oil on canvas with vibrant color. The Moroccan shoes would definitely be a bright spot as you walked past them at the market. Then something as ordinary as a pine stump in your yard can become the subject on the canvas. We were left wondering about pteranodon as he flew through the evening sky. Beautiful work Ed, we all enjoyed your art and the stories about each one.

Utako began speaking about Chopin's Etude Op. 25, No.11, Winter Wind. She was expressing the challenge this etude presented. Then Utako played the Beethoven Sonata, Op. 31 No.3. We enjoyed her skillful performance of this Sonata.

(Submitted by Annette Russo)

Players/Presenters: Nico Brett, Maggie Frick, Carol Wazlavek

Listeners: Ed Ewing, Fran Richards, Tom Slavicek, Shoko Tanaka, Utako Tanigawa, Kelly Brett, Jason Brett

Nico started the afternoon by describing the characters he envisions while playing Chopin’s Grande Valse Brilliante. He was inspired to learn the piece when he saw pianist Michael Schneider introduce it in a similar way. The introduction really drew him into the piece as a member of the audience, and, although the piece is still a work in progress for him, Nico wanted to practice passing the same experience on to others. There was a consensus that knowing the interpretation did indeed add to the listeners experience.

Next, Maggie performed the Theme and 11 of the variations from Mendelssohn’s Variations Serieuses, two more than last time. A difficult piece both musically and technically, she’s making excellent progress and hopes to add the last six variations and play through the whole piece by the next musicale. Maggie also shared a technique her teacher gave her to train her muscles to remain relaxed during a fast passage.

Lastly, Carol explained about the stories for Chopin’s Ballades. Theoretically there was one poem associated with each ballade, but Chopin was unclear about his intention. She found six stories to attempt to match up to the four ballades, with no consensus as to which story or stories belong(s) with which piece. There was time to detail the story for the first ballade as well as a second story that was supposed to be associated with the fourth but doesn’t seem to be a good fit. There wasn’t time to detail anymore of the stories for today, perhaps the mystery can be resolved in a future musicale!

The day ended with a discussion about favorite musicians. Utako invited everyone to continue to share their thoughts about their favorite musicians on the GMG blog. All in all, it was a lovely hour spent in good company.

​

(Submitted by Kelly Brett)

Friday, July 31st's Virtual Masterclass with Dr. Joe Chapman was postponed at the last minute due to an emergency. We held a Virtual Musicale instead.

The program was as follows:

Anna Armstrong performed the Schubert Impromptu Op.90 No.3; Anna commented that the challenge in this piece is keeping the accompaniment soft while bringing out the melody.

Maggie continued with more pages of her Chopin Ballade No.4; Maggie said that she had just had a piano lesson with her teacher, who advised her of a relaxation technique of moving her torso in conjunction with her arms in order to reduce tightness.

Julie Woodall performed the Mendelsshon Op. 14 Rondo Capriccioso; Utako commented for Julie, mentioning that Mendelssohn was one of 4 major composers who who all were born at about the same time - Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin and Liszt.

Arlene Martinedes played the 1st movement of  Mozart's Sonata  K. 332, which was published in 1784.

Utako performed Beethoven Op. 31 No.3 2nd movement; she commented that this is the third and last of his Op. 31 piano sonatas, which also include "The Tempest". The sonata was given the nickname The Hunt by a third party due to one of its themes being reminiscent of a horn call.  It is a 4 movement sonata, with a Scherzo for the 2nd movement.

Tom Slavicek commented that he has been reading a biography of Beethoven, and found an interesting fact about some discrepancies in how Beethoven's name appeared in some publications, sometimes appearing as Ludwig van Beethoven, and sometimes Ludwig von Beethoven. The "von" would indicate being from a royal family, and therefore could illicit greater recognition and profit.

Utako played a video that Jimmy Baskerville has done for the group that can be used to promote interest in GMG.

After the music performances, we discussed our favorite composers and/or favorite composition. Largely, members said that they favored whoever they currently were working on, although Chopin was mentioned more than a few times.  Rob Busey recalled a story record called Sparky's Magic Piano, where he heard Chopin's Polonaise in Ab. Ever since hearing it that first time, it has been his all time favorite piece. Then there was some discussion about the pianist/composer Julian Fontana, who lived in Chopin's shadow, and sadly, never received the assistance of Chopin to gain public favor.

Next weeks' Virtual Musicale will be Thursday, Aug.6 from 11 am to 12 pm.   We will discuss favorite compositions.

​

(Submitted by Carol Wazlavek)

GMG is the only platform for me to sing solo and your encouragement and support make my journey very easy. I appreciate and cherish this opportunity very much. - Fuling

She looked wonderful and you could tell she was totally enjoying the meeting. She has such a broad and wonderful following of music lovers and singers.  She is at her best surrounded by wonderful musicians and opera. - Virginia

This was one of the very best gatherings EVER!

Fran, you are a delight.

And it was such a special pleasure to hear Fuling and Maggie. -Gail

Agreed!  I'd love to hear more of Fran's recollections!  I'm trying to look at the Met's archives right now actually, trying to figure out just what productions I did see here in Atlanta, somewhere between 1979 and 1986.  I KNOW I saw Pavarotti in Elixer of Love - even though the archives say he did that in other years.  I met him that night, we had a funny (PG) encounter  , I'd like to see who else I was introduced to backstage BY P. HIMSELF - he took me around backstage to show off the T-shirt I had made him....at the Civic center.  P. also sang in another opera that week, can't remember which. The other opera I was recalling was  Billy Budd, but I also have seen Peter Grimes ...not in the same year, over a period of years. -Carol

Narrative by Asa Williamns

Today’s Virtual Musicale had a nice attendance of 17 people including four of Fran's students.

Maggie Frick lead off by playing the Variations Serieuses by Mendelssohn. It is a difficult

work and she played very well.

Fuling Chiang then sang 2 pieces. The first by Umberto Giordano: Amor ti vieta from Fedora.

The second was Solo Mio, which Fuling sang in Chinese. He said this was a popular song in

China.

At this time, we continued an interview with Fancesca (“Fran”) Richards as part of her 90 th

birthday celegration. Utako showed a nice power slide 90 th Birthday tribute to Fancesca,

which included some of her singing from her younger years. We then heard from nice tributes

from some of her current and former students who joined today’s virtual musicale. Finally, Finally, Francesca gave us nice memory moments of her teaching career.

In conclusion to the musicale, Utako Tanigawa played an excerpt from Chopin’s Fantasie Impromtu, Op. 66.

Sincerely,

(Submitted by Asa J Williams)

​

Message from Fran-

Dear Utako, Our musicale was lovely. Thank you for all your work. I so enjoyed seeing Michael and Vicky. They are wonderful young people with many interests and very engaged in making better world. So prund of them. It just was a delightful hour!

On July 9th we conducted another installment of our virtual Musicales via ZOOM. It was very heartwarming to see everyone again, even though we could not be present in person. Nevertheless our fellowship and feeling of being a "musical family" were very welcome in this time of isolation for most of us. We want to thank Utako for setting up these ZOOM sessions for us and for everyone's participation. This week's session opened up with getting updates on everyone's activities of late. Ed has been busy creating beautiful oil paintings (check out the Blog), several continue to give lessons either personally or on line, and everyone, of course, continues to practice, practice, practice towards our journey to a "Carnegie Hall" performance some day. Some of the topics of discussions included suggestions on improving our playing technique (overcoming difficult passages; stretching to reach those large chords and sustaining a note, etc.); the size of Rachmaninoff's hands compared to ours (he could reach a 13th) and how sometimes a smaller hand can actually have an advantage over a larger one; the construction of a piano - pros and cons of a full sized piano vs one that has been reduced in size (Josef Hoffmann's piano keys were constructed slightly shorter than standard to accommodate his smaller hands); the technical difficulties in achieving the highest notes on a violin; and a description of how Artur Rubinstein showed off his hands at a home "musicale" in Winnipeg, Canada in the 1940s where one could see his outstretched hand and thumb swooping downwards at an unusual angle (he, too, could reach a 13th). 

The highlights of the Musicale were the performances. Maggie impressively played several variations of Mendelssohn's Variations Serieuses. She will be performing the entire set of variations at her upcoming recital (along with Chopin's Ballade No. 4 and other pieces). Karen Lin impressed us with her performance of Fritz Kreisler's Tambourin Chinois, a virtuosic piece which was played with gusto and showcased the melodic line very nicely. And, lastly, Utako (who likes to call herself the 'guinea pig' at these Musicales) showed off her to-date progress of the Shubert Impromptu No. 3, a piece which she has just started to study just weeks ago. An interesting question was asked: How long does it take to get a piece ready for a formal performance? The answers varied from just several weeks (for the simpler ones, perhaps), to up to two years. Jimmy mentioned that although he may know a particular piece's technical notes and can play it in a 'mechanical' way there is always some nuance that is discovered with each playing, thus making that piece as one that is continually "in progress". 

Our future Musicales will, likely, engage us in discussing performance anxiety and how to overcome it (we can all blame Liszt who started this whole stage fright thing), and more on Chopin's music and life, as well as more performances.

​

(Submitted by Tom Slavicek)

Twelve attendees including three new comers enjoyed getting together today.  Arlene played Debussy 'Rain in the garden" beautifully followed by Margie's Chopin Ballade #4 for the first section, she has made noticeable progress in this very difficult piece.  Although Fran's birthday session was delayed, the participants had colorful comments on Stage Fright.  We shared our experiences and possible remedies.  Obviously Stage Fright is not an uncommon issue and there are no clear solutions, but we can cope with it.  We will continue this type of discussion on different topics at future musicales.

We had nine attendees - Fran, Fuling, Ed, Richard, Maggie, Judy, Jimmy, Arlene, and Utako.

Maggie played Chopin Ballade #4, which was a very difficult piece musically and technically. She said it's WIP but she was capturing the music well and had beautiful phrases. Utako played Waltz Op. 34 No.1 and Nocturne Op 9 No.1 - both partially. Both were not ready yet....

Each member expressed their feeling toward Chopin, favorite pieces, and future goal pieces. Fran mentioned that Chopin composed several songs, too, most of which were not known much.

She loves his beautiful melody line and sees his deep personality. Richard likes Fantasy f minor, Sonata, Ballades, and Etudes, Judy's goal is Fantasy-impromptu (and going to Alaska), Arlene loves to play Ballade g minor, Jimmy also likes Fantasy-impromptu as well as Nocturnes.

Since Chopin is one of the most beloved composers, we will have continuing sessions sometime soon.

​

(Submitted by Utako Tanigawa)

GMG held a virtual musicale on June 17 which was opened by Utako masterfully playing Schubert’s Impromptu No. 2. She also noted that the second virtual recital is now online and encouraged everyone to check it out. The highlight of the hour was an interview with Anna about her life and love of chamber music. She is a native Atlantan, which is a rarity these days. Early in her life she played with another pianist and her love of chamber music was born. While she did not major in music, rather in Asian studies (who knew?), she continued with life by having two children, becoming a CPA, and starting her own firm. Eventually enough was enough and she retired from accounting and returned to music and has enjoyed it ever since. Gail also added much to the conversation being a chamber musician herself.

Utako reminded us that Fran’s birthday is July 1 and she will be 90 years old! We all look forward to her interview which will be fascinating. The next musicale is next Thursday, June 24, at 11:00 a.m. You won’t want to miss it!

​

(Submitted by Kimber Kwiatkowski)

Our musicale/conversation session today was fun. We had seven members in attendance. Utako played Chopin’s Etude, Opus 10, No. 12 beautifully. Julie played the Finale to Schumann’s Abegg Variations.

We talked about what pieces we were working on, and we had a discussion on how many pieces we study at a time. Answers ranged from 2 pieces to 20! Carol said that she works on the pieces that her students are playing so she can help them more and stay fresh. Jimmy talked about working on hand position and hand independence. Some members talked about reviewing pieces that they have perfected once a week to keep from losing them.

Carol and Jimmy discussed making an audio recording and adding video. They know their stuff!

We look forward to hearing Utako interview Anna next week about her life and musical experiences. Please join us!

​

(Submitted by Julie Woodall)

We had the first virtual musicale of the month of June via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Wednesday June 3rd. Attendees were : Utako Tanigawa, Ed Ewing, Anna Armstrong, Carol Wazlavek, Arlene Martinides, Tom Slavicek, Judy Manganiello and Shoko Tanaka. Firstly Shoko played her work-in-progress piece; Schumann’s Fantasiestücke op.12 no.2 “Aufshwung (Soaring)”. Next Judy played Chopin’s Nocturne in B flat minor op.9 no.1 very beautifully. Her second play via Zoom was successful in both aspects, music and technology! Lastly Utako played Chopin’s Waltz op.34 no.1 “Valse Brillante”, she said still Work-In-Progress but presented very well its elegant and delightful elements of this piece. After the performances, members shared their updates on their lives and also information regarding audio technologies. Also we talked about the challenges and struggles of music that the are playing and advised each other. In addition, Tom shared his recent activities and presented his beautiful leather art works. Those are absolutely gorgeous!

Next Virtual Musicale will be Thursday June 11th at 11 a.m. We hope to see you all there!

​

(Submitted by Shoko Tanaka)

Due to COVID, our musicales have successfully moved online. Thursday, May 28th was another example of how we are all enjoying these gatherings.

Utako shared the amazing amount of progress she has made in a few short weeks since beginning to study the Chopin Etude op. 25, #11. This etude is especially challenging and, like all the energetic etudes, can result in tense wrists and tired fingers way before the end of the piece. Utako's fluid technical expertise was a delight to listen to.

Arlene Martinides has truly mastered her movement of Debussy's Estampes (les Jardins sous la Pluie), and even on Zoom, she brought out the fluid, singing line through the tricky repeated notes.

Shoko Tanaka's 1st movement of the Beethoven Sonata in f minor, Op. 2 was energetic and spot-on, both technically and musically. (And, little Sean made a brief appearance and was delightful, too!).

Richard Bishop shared some of the technically tricky segments of the Beethoven Sonata that he recorded for our Online Recital. His suggestions regarding memorization and metronome practice were gratefully appreciated.

Gail Starr shared her Chopin Waltz, Op. 42 that is still a work in progress. Everyone offered valuable suggestions on areas to work on. Thank you!

Even though Anna Armstrong didn't have time to stay for the whole session, we look forward to hearing her next time.

I am personally SO grateful to Utako and the whole group for allowing me the opportunity to start playing solo repertoire again, after years and years of only sight-reading chamber music and accompanying students for fun. I'm learning so much from everyone and am inspired to keep practicing.

Looking forward to hearing everyone next time!

​

(Submitted by Gail Starr)

The Georgia Musicale Group held a pleasant and enjoyable virtual musicale on Thursday, May 21st, 2020, which was attended by nine people. Judy Manganiello opened the musicale with a delightful performance of Chopin's Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 1. Next, Shoko Tanaka played two movements (Allemande and Gigue) of Bach's French Suite in G major. We were then treated to another performance of Bach, as Maggie Frick played three movements (Courante, Sarabande, and Minuet and Trio) of his B minor French Suite. Sam Smith then gave a fascinating presentation on the historical performance database at Carnegie Hall. We learned that Josef Hofmann played the most concerts there out of any other pianist, and that Chopin's Ballade No. 1 is the most performed piano piece at the hall, as well as many other interesting facts. Carol Wazlavek ended the musicale by instructing us on how to publish iPhone videos onto YouTube. 

​

(Submitted by Maggie Frick)

Rain seems to be a recurring theme for our musicales.  It rained again as we traveled to the home of Julie Harbin, where she welcomed us into her wonderful studio with two pianos from which to choose.  Once many had arrived, we forgot about the rain for a while as we chatted away.  We had 13 GMG members and a guest who wants to join us.  We welcome Deborah Weiner.  Thank you, Julie for hosting us for this musicale and your warm hospitality.

The beauty of the Harp filled the room as Julie played, Let There Be Peace on Earth.  The harp was a delightful variation to our musicales.  Sabine, we loved your Sonata in E major by Scarlatti.  It was a perfect piece to follow the harp.  Utako breezed through the Chopin Nocturne Op. 62 No. 1, which was a very technical piece.  Arlene was right in tune with the weather performing, Debussy’s Jardins sous la pluie.  It’s great to have you back with GMG. 

Leanne continues to perfect Franck’s Sonata in A, 2nd movement.  We really appreciate your focus and endurance as you polish the details of this piece from memory for Carnegie Hall.  Ed performed the Tocatta from Le Tombeau de Couperin.  We are so impressed as you play this from memory.  Annette sang Goodnight My Someone/ Till There Was You where the characters find love and in O Mio Babbino Caro love tragically slips away.  

Kimber beautifully performed a piece from Des Abends, as she will be performing all the pieces with her piano students.  Lugubre Gondala was just as morbid as Tom described before playing.  Liszt definitely got his feelings and mood across in this piece.  Well done, Tom.  Rob brought a light hearted interlude for the morning.  We all sang, The Lady Is a Tramp.  That was a great change to the routine.  

Sabine played the Mozart Fantasia in D minor beautifully portraying the somber and reflective, but flowing introduction. Then the piece moves into the lighter portions where the mood is a little brighter.  Then Julie W. and Utako played the Mozart Sonata K 521 1st movement with four hands which was a great contrast to the Mozart Fantasia.  You could imagine everyone getting up and dancing.  Well done ladies.  Finally, Paul performed Beethoven’s “Tempest”.  We could just imagine it as you played, Paul.   

The diversity of music and performers is so inspiring and encouraging to all of us.  We can imagine ourselves trying something new or taking on challenge.  Thank you to all who have performed today and for your support and encouragement..  

We truly do “sing and play for our supper”.  We enjoyed delicious sandwiches, fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers.  For sweets, we ate ginger cake, cookies, and brownies.  Julie had hot coffee, tea and hot chocolate to warm up this rainy day.

Thank you again, Julie for hosting this wonderful musicale.   We were glad to meet Deborah and look forward to hearing her play next time.  Out next musicale will be on March 17, 2020 at Piano Works in Duluth.  Join us.

Please take time to read the details of the program below.

1. Julie Harbin (Harp) / Sy Miller and Jill Jackson   Let There be Peace on Earth

2. Sabine Walsh / Scarlatti   Sonata in E Major, K531

3. Utako Tanigawa / Frederic Chopin   Nocturne Op. 62 No.1

4. Arlene Martinides / Claude Debussy   Jardins sous la pluie (Garden in the rain

5. Leanne Manning / Franck   Sonata in A

6. Ed Ewing / Ravel   Toccata

7. Annette Russo W/Kimber / Wilson   Goodnight My Someone/Till There Was You

                                                    Puccini   O Mio Babbino Caro

8. Kimber Kwiatkowski / Schumann   Des Abends

9. Tom Slavicek / Liszt   Lugubre Gondola
10. Rob Busey / Sinatra Sing-a-long time permiting 

11. Sabine Walsh / Mozart   Fantasia in D minor

12. Julie and Utako / Mozart   Sonata K 521 1st movement 

13. Paul Cossman / Beethoven   Sonata 17, D minor, Op 31, No 2, "Tempest" 3rd movement

14. Deborah Weiner / Listener

​

(Respectfully submitted by Annette Russo)

The first GMG concert of 2020 at Steinway Piano Galleries was a great success. Utako Tanigawa welcomed a full house of attendees, including several who had never before attended our concerts and who heard about us on social media. The program, which featured Chopin and Beethoven, was warmly received.

Asa Williams bookended the concert with Chopin’s “Aeolian” Etude as the first selection and 2 movements of the Beethoven Sonata Op. 2 No. 3 as the last selection – what a great way to start and finish! Olga Pikus gave us a beautiful interpretation of Chopin’s famous Waltz Op. 64 No.2, and she joined Leanne Manning late in the program for a splendid duo performance of Cesar Franck’s Sonata in A, arranged for clarinet and piano. Leanne also treated us to the Allemande and Corrente from Bach’s Violin Partita No. 2, sounding luscious on her clarinet.

We were treated to Paul Cossman’s first-ever GMG concert performances, including Chopin’s posthumous Nocturne in C# minor and Beethoven’s challenging Tempest Sonata. Well done, Paul – we look forward to many more performances!

Utako Tanigawa continued to delight us with her Chopin Nocturne Op. 62 No. 1 and Beethoven Sonata Op. 31 No. 3. Listening to Utako is always a pleasure.

Shoko Tanaka was heroic in joining us late in the first half of the concert with her toddler, Sean; Shoko handed Sean off to another performer and proceeded to play Chopin’s Ballade #3 with grace and feeling before retrieving Sean and leaving us to return him to his nap. We appreciate Shoko’s artistry and willingness to remain an important part of GMG despite the demands of career and young motherhood.

After a short intermission, with refreshments and conversation, the concert continued with light music in the Spanish style, as Judy Manganiello played Eugenie Rocherolle’s Cantico Iberico, which was quite the crowd pleaser. Anna Armstrong played the final of three Chopin Nocturnes for the day, his Nocturne #1 in B-flat minor, an ethereal and lovely piece of composition. Continuing with Chopin, Kimber Kwiatkowski played the Impromptu No. 3 Op. 51 with the skill and musicality that we have come to expect from Kimber.

All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and we appreciate the hospitality of the Steinway Piano Galleries in allowing us to enjoy their lovely facilities.

(Respectfully submitted by: Anna Armstrong)

Another wonderful morning of music was enjoyed by all who attended.  There were 14 performers and listeners at this musicale.  We appreciate Piano Works for hosting this musicale. 

Judy and Arlene began the morning with Cantico Iberico and Soiree dans Grenade.  These pieces are enjoyable to listen to and are sounding better each time we hear them.  Beethoven’s, very moving, Sonata Op. 2, No. 3: 1st and 3rd movements were performed by Asa this morning, from memory.  We were glad to have Nancy with us also playing a Beethoven Sonata Op. 28, 1st movement.  Leanne is continuing to fine tune her performance of Franck’s Sonata in A, the 2nd movement this time, which is the most substantial movement in the Sonata.  Another Beethoven was performed by Utako.  It was the lyrical and playful Sonata Op. 31, No. 3, the 1st and 2nd movement.  

Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9, No. 1 is one we never tire of hearing.  Thank you, Anna for your beautiful performance.  On a lighter note, Annette sang two selections from The Music Man, Goodnight My Someone and Till There Was You.  Kimber is still wowing us with Franck’s Chorale from Prelude, Chorale and Fugue.  Finally, I think the Flamingo Strut is ready to go on the road, ladies. The Strut is fun to listen to and must be fun to play.  Thank you all for such amazing performances!

After all that performing, we gathered around the refreshment table enjoying the goodies and good conversation.  There were muffins, cookies, pumpkin bread, fruit, cheese and crackers, coffee, and tea.  Thanks again to Piano Works and all who attended this musicale.  Our next event is at the home of Julie Harbin on March 5, 2020.  We hope you will be able to join us there.

Please read the program below for all the details.

1. Judy Manganiello / Rocherolle   Cantico Iberico

2. Arlene Martinides / Debussy   Soiree dans Grenade

3. Asa Williams / Beethoven   Sonata, Op. 2, No. 3: 1st and 3rd mvmts

4. Nancy Dunn / Beethoven   Sonata Op.28, 1st movement

5. Utako Tanigawa / Beethoven   Sonata Op.31, No. 3, 1st and 2nd movements

6. Leanne Manning / Franck   Sonata in A, 2nd mvt

7. Anna Armstrong  / Chopin   Nocturne Op. 9, No.1

8. Annette Russo w/Kimber / Meredith Wilson   Goodnight My Someone/Till There Was You

9. Kimber Kwiatkowski / Franck   Chorale from Prelude, Chorale and Fugue

10. Abbie and Judy / Asberry   Flamingo Strut

11. Abbie Hattauer / Asberry   Still, Still, Still

12. Julie Woodall / Listener

13. Marjorie Williams / Listener

14. Steven Bennett / Listener

15. Jimmy Baskerville / Listener

(Respectfully submitted Annette Russo)

​

​

After traveling through the heavy rain, we were welcomed warmly at the Cossman’s home.  We left our wet shoes, coats, and umbrellas at the door and enjoyed a morning of lovely music.  Paul’s piano is very special as it had belonged to his mother.  His Steinway has been completely, refurbished and all enjoyed playing this beautiful instrument.  

Paul began with Scriabin’s Etude, Op. 2, No. 1 and Mozart’s Spirited Rondo alla Turca.  Beethoven’s Sonata 15, 1st movement was played by Nancy.  Utako continued with Chopin’s Waltz Op.64 No 1.  It was a minute give or take.   We were glad to have Arlene playing with GMG again.  Many of us performed some pieces that have been in the works for a while.  These pieces are sounding better and better.  It is wonderful to hear the progress each performer is making.  Our group of 15 attendees enjoyed the variety of music this morning.

Lunch was a delicious buffet of lasagna, salads, garlic bread, cheese and  crackers, and a buffet of desserts as well.  The dining room table was set as if we had been invited to a banquet.  All enjoyed the meal and fellowship of the group.  Thank you to the Cossman’s for hosting the Musicale and their warm hospitality.

Our next event will be a Musicale at Piano Works on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.  We hope to see you there.  

Please read more about this musicale in the program below.

1. Paul Cossman / Scriabin   Étude, Op 2, No 1

                                Mozart   Rondo alla Turca

2. Nancy Dunn / Beethoven   Sonata #15, 1st movement

3. Utako Tanigawa / Chopin   Walts Op.64 no1

                                   Chopin   Etude Op. 10 No.12

4. Annette Russo with Kimber / Donaudy   Amorosi miei giorni

5. Kimber Kwiatkowski / Franck   Chorale from Prelude, Chorale and Fugue

6. Arlene Martinides / Debussy   Soiree dans Grenade

7. Jimmy Baskerville / Shubert   Impromptu #3

8. Carol Wazlavek / Radiohead/O'Riley   Talk Show Host (partial)

9. Leanne Manning / Franck   Sonata

10. Sabine Walsh / Mozart   Fantaisie in D minor

11. Abbie Hattauer / Pam Asberry   Still, Still, Still

12. Judy Manganiello / Rocherolle   Cantico Iberico

13. Abbie and Judy / Asberry   Flamingo Strut

Rob Busey / Listener 

Steven Bennett / Listener

Barbara Cossman / Listener

​

(Respectfully submitted by Annette Russo)

The brisk January air ushered us quickly inside this morning for our musicale.  Winter was soon forgotten as we warmed up the piano, clarinet, and voices.  Ten of us gathered at Piano Works for this morning’s musicale.  We thank Piano Works for their hospitality each time we meet here.

Even though a smaller number of musicians played, we were treated to some intense and delightful musical works.  We had time to share copies of the music and have some discussion about the selections performed.  Utako began with the Beethoven Sonata Op.31 No. 31st movement.  She described the tone of the movement and played a sampling of the other 3 movements at the end.  Next, Sam played another Beethoven Sonata, Op. 26 2nd movement.  The Scherzo was most enjoyable, and Sam played from memory as well.  Judy played Cantico Iberico by Rocherolle.  This very dancelike and melodic piece was easy to listen to.  Berceuse is a lovely lullaby from the opera, Jocylyn by Benjamin Godard, sung by Annette. 

Jimmy has been working diligently on the Brahms Rhapsody No. 1.  He played the piece from memory and all the effort is paying off-well done.  We enjoyed the Brahms’ Ballade played by Anna and Franck’s Prelude from Prelude Chorale & Fugue 5 performed by Kimber.  Excellent ladies on both of these pieces.  Then Leanne played a clarinet solo, Franck’s 3rd movement Recitativeo-Fantasia from Sonata in A.  Leanne will be performing this piece with piano at the concert in Carnegie Hall in July. Finally, Asa played the 1st movement of Schubert’s Sonata in A minor Op. 143.   This piece was performed from memory, awesome.

After the performing portion of the musicale, we enjoyed some light refreshments and more discussion and socializing.  We always have a great time.  We hope you will join us for the next event.  The February 6, 2020 home musicale will be at the home of Paul Cossman.  Please see the musicale sign up on the GMG website. We hope to see you there.

The program is listed below to provide more details about the musicale.

Program

1. Utako Tanigawa / Beethoven   Sonata Op. 31 No. 3 1st movement

2. Sam Smith / Beethoven   Sonata Op.26 2nd mvt Scherzo

3. Judy Manganiello / Rocherolle   Cantico Iberico

4. Annette Russo / Godard   Berceuse from the Opera Jocylyn

5. Jimmy Baskerville / Brahms   Rhapsody #1

6. Anna Armstrong / Brahms   Ballade, Op. 118, No. 3

7. Kimber Kwiatkowski / Franck   Prelude from Prelude Chorale & Fugue 5

8. Leanne Manning  / Franck   3rd mvt Recitativo-Fantasia from Sonata A

9. Asa Williams / Schubert   Sonata in A minor, Op. 143, 1st mvt

​

(Respectfully submitted: Annette Russo)

On Saturday, January 4th PianoWorks in Duluth hosted the first concert for the Georgia Musicale Group's 2020 season. The featured works were by Beethoven and Schubert among others. It was a wonderful day of beautiful music and warm fellowship among friends, visitors and the eight performers of the GMG. 

The concert began with Utako Tanigawa performing Haydn's Piano Sonata Hob:xvi 50, 1st movement, then moved to Beethoven's "Pathetique" Sonata which was performed by three pianists, each taking a movement of the Sonata: Carol Wazlavek, Tom Slavicek, and Kimber Kwiatkowski. This made for an interesting experience as each pianist brought their own interpretation to the piece. Shoko Tanaka's rendition of Schubert's Impromptu Op. 90, No. 2 and  Utako's rendition of his Impromptu Op. 143 ,No. 3 showed the breadth of the composer's emotion and maturity in these compositions. Sam Smith finished off the first part of the concert by performing Beethoven's Sonata No. 12, Op. 26 third movement (Funeral March) and the fourth movement (Allegro).

During the Intermission guests and members enjoyed each other's company and the refreshments that were brought. Everyone also enjoyed learning about the spans of famous pianists throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, as depicted on a poster that Tom had prepared. Rachmaninov in particular was known to have had an extra large hand that spanned 13 keys on the piano.

After the Intermission the concert resumed with special music transcribed for piano 4-hands. These were performed by Pamela Martin and Kristi Helfen. These included Bach's Brandenburg Concerto, Summer Solstice from Scenes of Seasons, by Jeff Manookian, and The Sonata Op. 144, "Lebensturme" by Franz Schubert. It was a great pleasure and honor for everyone to have performed on the concert grand generously made available to us by PianoWorks.

(Respectfully Submitted by Tom Slavicek)

Our first home event of the new year was a warm gathering of eight members at Julie Woodall’s in the North Georgia mountains.  Julie’s house is warmly decorated with spiritual and musical appointments, lovely pictures of birds, and other animals. It is always a treat to go there once a year where she serves her own delicious Brunswick Stew.  The first highlight was Tom Slavicek’s collage which pictured solo pianists and composers and a fascinating study comparing their maximum reach on the keyboard. The point taken was that hand size has nothing to do with pianistic virtuosity.  The varied piano pieces, as usual, included some lesser-known works, and challenging classics. One of the unique aspects of our home musicales are the “works in progress.” This opportunity, where our members play difficult choices before a friendly and empathetic audience, is such a unique blessing compared to just playing alone or for a teacher.  Abbie Hattauer and Annette Russo sang moving soprano solos. They are so encouraging to those of us who only enjoy singing in larger group settings. As a final note, our tireless founder noted that concert attendance has shown remarkable increases particularly in the past two years. Of course, we all know who to thank for THAT!  

Please enjoy reading the program.

​

1. Julie Woodall / Granados   Spanish Dance No. 3

2. Abbie Hattauer / John Jacob Niles   I Wonder As I Wander

3. Kimber Kwiatkowski / Franck   Prelude from Pre flat minorlude, Chorale and Fugue 

4. Tom Slavicek / Schubert   Serenade

5. Judy Manganiello and Abbie Hattauer / Asberry   Flamingo Strut

6. Judy Manganiello / Chopin   Nocturne in B minor

7. Annette Russo / Godard   Berceuse from the Opera Jocylyn

8. Utako Tanigawa / Beethoven   Sonata Op. 13 2nd movement

9. Rob Busy (Listener)

​

(Respectfully submitted by Rob Busey)

GMG participated in the Third Annual First Night Dahlonega.  The group is privileged to participate in this fundraiser for Jeramiah’s Place in Dahlonega, GA. Jeramiah’s Place provides transitional housing for the homeless so they can prepare to secure more permanent housing. Many performers participated in this event throughout the town to support Jeramiah’s Place.  We want to thank the Churches in town and Dahlonega Baptist Church for hosting this event where we held our concert.

Five of our GMG members performed in this concert.  With Dr. Tanigawa at the piano, two dueling cats took the stage and sang, Duetto Boffo Di Due Gatti by Rossini.  Ruth Purcell and Julie Woodall stood in for the cats.  What an entertaining way to begin our evening.  

On a more serious note, Utako played Chaconne in G major, by Handel.  This work includes 21 variations divided into three sections beginning with G major, transitioning to G minor and back to G major and was originally played on harpsichord.  

Next, we had two selections by Edvard Grieg who was a well known Norwegian composer of the Romantic period.  Annette Russo sang I Love Thee.  Grieg wrote I Love Thee for his wife, Nina Hagerup.  The poetry of the song originally written by Hans Christian Andersen and Grieg’s natural feeling for melody have created the appeal this song has endured over time.  

We marveled as Julie played the1stmovement of Grieg's Sonata in e minor. At age 22, Grieg wrote his only sonata. It was a beautiful performance.

Then we admired Utako’s moving interpretation of Schubert’s Impromptu Op. 142 No. 3. His Impromptus were composed in 1827 as a series of 8.  The second set of 4 impromptus which contained Op. 142, was published posthumously in 1839.

Next, Annette sang, And This Is My Beloved, from the musical, Kismet.  The music from this show is based on the music of Alexander Borodin from his opera Prince Igor and his string quartets.  

Julie continued the program with Enrique Granados’ Spanish Dance No. 3. At 23 years of age Granados wrote a Set of 12 Spanish Dances.  This selection was quite lively as the title might suggest.  

The final selection in our program was a clarinet solo played by Leanne Manning and accompanied by Julie Woodall.  They played the 2nd movement of the Brahms’ Sonata No. 2 for Clarinet and Piano. Both Leanne and Julie demonstrated their competence and expertise as they performed this beautiful sonata.

The Georgia Musicale Group enjoys immense camaraderie whether we gather at our musicales or in concert.  We enjoy music and performing for our audiences. We hope that those who attend our events enjoy the music as much as we do.

Our next concert is at the Senior Living Place in Dahlonega, GA on Saturday, January 19, 2020 from 3pm-5pm.  We hope to see you there.

​

Please read the program for more detail.

Program

Ruth Purcell (Mezzo Soprano) & Julie Woodall (Soprano)

Duetto Boffo Di Due Gatti                         Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1869)

Utako Tanigawa (Piano)

Chaconne in G major                                         George Handel (1685-1759)

Annette Russo (Soprano) & Julie Woodall (Piano)

I Love Thee                                                           Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)

Julie Woodall (Piano)

Sonata in e minor, 1stMovement                           Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)

Utako Tanigawa (Piano)

Impromptu Op. 142 No. 3                                     Franz Shubert (1797-1828)

Annette Russo (Soprano) & Julie Woodall (Piano)

And This Is My Beloved  

                              Robert Wright (1914-2005) & George Forrest (1915-1999)

Julie Woodall (Piano)

Spanish Dance No. 3                                          Enrique Granados (1867-1916)

Leanne manning (Clarinet) & Julie Woodall (Piano)

Sonata No. 2for Clarinet and Piano, 2ndMovement

​

(Respectfully submitted by Annette Russo)

Our GMG Year End Celebration was a terrific afternoon of music and fellowship.  There were 42 in attendance and 11 of them were performers in this concert.  We offered our thanks to Steinway Piano Galleries for their warm hospitality in their Alpharetta location.  Dr. Tanigawa presented a gift of appreciation to the management and staff of Steinway Piano Galleries for our use of this wonderful venue for concerts.

Pam Asberry began our program with her majestic arrangement of March of the Kings, then her arrangement of In the Bleak Midwinter, and her own composition, Snow.  Mary Dekkers played her lively version of Jingle Bells and Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.  Our hearts were quieted as Fuling Chiang sang The Lord’s Prayer and Ave Maria.  Utako played the Haydn Sonata Hob:xvi 50 1stmovement.  Next, she played Nocturne OP. 27 No. 2 by Chopin.  Later in the program, Utako played Shubert’s Impromptu Op. 142 No. 3. Each piece portrayed the sentiment of the composer.   Anna Armstrong changed the mood by her beautiful performance of Three Preludes by Gershwin.  Annette Russo sang two love songs, Grieg’s I Love Thee and from Kismet, And This Is My Beloved. We enjoyed a delightful piano duet by Kimber Kwiatkowski and Olga Pikus. They played Sleigh Ride, Waltz of the Flowers and Russian Dance from The Nutcracker Suite.  Kimber also played December from The Seasons by Tchaikovsky.  Debussy’s Reverie was played by Shoko Tanaka. Shoko is as graceful as the music itself. Bach was next on the program with the Prelude and Fugue in F minor, Well Tempered Clavier II performed by Richard Bishop.  Finally, Rebekah Bole joined Richard Bishop playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor for two pianos.  That was quite a treat.

We are privileged to have so many quality musicians performing in one concert.  Each performer expressed great enthusiasm and sentiment in their performance today.  A commonality of all in the group is that we love music and love sharing it with others.  

After the concert, some members of the audience were the recipients of door prizes. That’s always exciting.  Then we shared a variety of refreshments:  wine cheese, crackers, sandwiches, fruit and vegetable platters, cookies, cake, and candy.  It is our custom to eat after a performance and invite the audience to join us.

Our next concert will be on New Year’s Eve in Dahlonega at Dahlonega Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.  Our concert will be part of the First Night performances that will be held in different venues in town from 6pm until midnight.

Following that, our first Home Musicale of the year will be on January 2, 2020.

Please enjoy reading the entire program.

​

Program

Pam Asberry (Piano) 

March of the Kings                                    Traditional French/arr. Pam Asberry 

Mary Dekkers (Piano) 

Jingle Bells arrangement                                         Traditional Christmas Music 

Fuling Chiang (Tenor) & Kimber Kwiatkowski (Piano) 

The Lord’s Prayer                                                       Albert Malotte(1895 - 1964) 

Utako Tanigawa (Piano) 

Sonata Hob:xvi 50 1st movement                               Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) 

Nocturne Op. 27 No.2                                              Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) 

Anna Armstrong (Piano) 

Three Preludes                                                       George Gershwin (1898-1937 ) 

Annette Russo (Soprano) & Kimber Kwiatkowski (Piano) 

I Love Thee                                                                    Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) 

Kimber Kwiatkowski & Olga Pikus ( Piano Duet) 

Sleigh Ride 

Leroy Anderson (1908-1975)                               arranged by Michael Edwards 

Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker Suite 

Peter I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)                               arranged by Milton James 

Russian Dance from The Nutcracker Suite           arranged by Jennifer Eklund 

Intermission

Pam Asberry (Piano)

In the Bleak Midwinter                 Gustav Holst (1874-1934) /arr. Pam Asberry

Snow                                                                                                     Pam Asberry

Mary Dekkers (Piano)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas                                             Traditional

Annette Russo (Soprano) & Kimber Kwiatkowski (Piano)

And This Is My Beloved  

Robert Wright (1914-2005) & George Forrest (1915-1999 )

Kimber Kwiatkowski (Piano)

“December” from The Seasons                        Peter I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Utako Tanigawa (Piano)

Impromptu Op. 142 No.3                                        Franz Schubert (1797—1828)

Fuling Chiang & Kimber Kwiatkowski (Piano)

Ave Maria                                                               Charles Gounod (1818 – 1893)

Shoko Tanaka (Piano)

Reverie                                                                       Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

Richard Bishop (Piano)

Prelude and Fugue in F minor, Well Tempered Clavier II

Johann Sebastian Bach(1685 - 1735)

Richard Bishop (Piano) & Rebekah Healan Bole (Piano)

Piano Concerto No.3 in C minor             Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)

Reception

​

(Respectfully submitted by: Annette Russo)

Our December Musicale at Piano Works was a little lighter in number, but not in spirit. Fourteen members and listeners attended.  Utako presented the management at Piano Works with a gift of appreciation for their wonderful hospitality in hosting Musicales and Concerts.

Our program began with Asa playing Shubert’s Sonata in A minor, Op143, 1stmovement from memory.  Ed and Jimmy followed suit and performed their pieces from memory as well. Ed played the Ravel Toccata from Le Trombeau de Couperin, and Jimmy played the Shubert Impromptu #3 Op. 90. It was a morning for Shubert as Utako played Impromptu Op.142 No. 3. Pam M. and Kristi wowed us with a new transcription of the Brandenburg Concerto #3 with 4 hands.  The morning continued with some Christmas selections.  Abbie and Judy played a piano duet of Carol of the Bells. Judy played the Czech carol we were introduced to earlier this month.  Abby played and sang In the Bleak Midwinter, and Pam played her arrangement of March of the Kings and Hope.  Annette sang a more contemporary carol, All Is Well.

As is our tradition, refreshments and fellowship followed.  We hope to see you at the next event which is a concert at Steinway Piano Galleries in Alpharetta on Saturday December 28, 2019 from 3-5pm.

Please read the program below for more details.

1. Judy Manganiello & Abbie Hattauer / Leontovich   Carol of the Bells

2. Abbie Hattauer / Asberry   In the Bleak Midwinter

3. Judy Manganiello / O. Simacek   Vanocni ukolebavka

4. Pam Asberry / Asberry   March of the Kings, Hope

5. Annette Russo with Kimber / Kirkpatrick/Smith   All Is Well

6. Ed Ewing / Ravel   Toccata from Le Tombeau de Couperin

7. Anna Armstrong  / Arr. by Martin   Canon de Noel, The First Noel

8. Utako Tanigawa / Shubert   Impromptu Op. 142 No. 3

9. Jimmy Baskerville / Shubert   Impromptu, No. 3 Opus 90

10. Asa Williams / Schubert   Sonata in A Minor, Op. 143, 1stMvm

11. Pam Martin & Kristi Helfen / Bach   Brandenberg Concerto #3, New Transcription 

12. Steven Bennett - Listener

13. Naji Chilazi - Listener

​

(Respectfully submitted by: Annette Russo)

On this beautiful December morning, we were welcomed by Utako and Steven in their lovely home.  As the group of 18 gathered, we greeted one another, glad to see old friends and meet new ones.  Today we welcome, Paul Cossman, a new GMG member. 

Utako began the program with the lovely Un Sospiro by Liszt.  We were treated to some Christmas music in the program today that included Carol of the Bells, In the Bleak Midwinter, Come Unto Him, White Christmas, December from the Seasons, and a Czech Christmas carol and a lullaby.  We also appreciated hearing the clarinet and violin in the program today.  It is so inspiring to see some of our members playing their pieces from memory.  

Our luncheon was remarkable.  Utako has outdone herself again with a menu that included a Chop Salad, and one of Cheese and Olives.  Our main course included White Radish Gratin, Orange Chicken w/Rice, Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Potato, Beer Bread and Cinnamon Bread.  For dessert Fresh Ginger Cake and Tiramisu delighted us.  As we lingered over dessert, coffee and tea, we continued to enjoy the company of our friends around the table.

Many thanks to Utako and Steven(CCO) for their hospitality and hosting this musicale.  

Please join us for the next Musicale at Piano Works in Duluth on December 17, 2019 at 10 am.

​

Enjoy reading the details of the program.

1. Utako Tanigawa / Liszt   Un Sospiro

2. Judy Manganiello & Abbie Hattauer / Leontovich   Carol of the Bells

3. Abbie Hattauer / Asberry   In the Bleak Midwinter

4. Annette Russo / Handel   Come Unto Him

5. Paul Cossman / Mozart   Rondo alla Turca

6. Kimber Kwiatkowski / Tchaikovsky   The Seasons - December

7. Ed Ewing / Ravel   Toccata from Le Tombeau de Couperin

8. Karen Lin / Arensky   Serenade. Irving Berlin   White Christmas

9. Julie Woodall / Chopin   Impromptu, No.1

10. Olga Picas / Chopin   Waltz c# minor

11. Yi-fan Wu / J.S Bach   Partita no2 1st mvt

12. Leanne Manning / Bach   Prelude from Partita No.3 BWV1006 arr. Delecluse

13. Ruth Purcell  / Haydn   Gipsy Rondo from Trio in G

14. Jimmy Baskerville / Beethoven   Sonata #17 3rd movement

15. Tom Slavicek / Simacek 2 Czech Christmas Carols, B. Slavicek   Waltz No. 2

​

(Respectfully submitted by Annette Russo)

​

​

Georgia Musicale Group met at Piano Works in Duluth.   A group of 14 members and a listener attended on this Tuesday morning.  

A few of our performers played some challenging pieces from memory.   Jimmy, Ed, and Sam, we are inspired by your memory and excellence in performance.  Utako has taken on Handel in her repertoire, and that was a very enjoyable piece.  The Flamingo Strut was a cute piano duet played by Judy and Abbie for the first time.  Kimber and Julie very well done on the Beethoven Sonata and the Chopin Scherzo. Sabine, “River Flows in You” is really coming along.  It will be great for your competition.  We also enjoyed our vocalists Robin, Fuling, Annette, and Abbie with a variety of song. Each musicale demonstrates the dedication of each performer to a standard of excellence as a musician.  We all appreciate the support of GMG members to pursue our best performance and share the beauty of music with others.

Our GMG event would not be complete without the delicious refreshments and conversation that follow the performance.  The table was spread with coffee cake and pound cake, a pasta casserole, fruit, sandwiches, tea and coffee.

Please join us for our next home musicale on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

The program is printed below for you.

​

1. Sabine Walsh / Yiruma   River Flows in You

2. Joshua Shue / Mozart   Sonata K533, mvt. 1

3. Robin Engleman and Kimber Kwiatkowski / Strauss   Zuiegnung

4. Robin Engleman and Kimber Kwiatkowski / Ponchielli   Voce di donna o d’angelo from La Gioconda

5. Jimmy Baskerville / Brahms   Rhapsody # 1

6. Ed Ewing / Ravel   Toccata

7. Utako Tanigawa / Handel   Chaconne

8. Fuling Chiang with Joshua / Giordano   Amor ti vieta

    Fuling Chiang with Joshua / Donizetti   Una furtiva lagrima

9. Kimber Kwiatkowski / Beethoven   Sonata Op.13 3rd mvnt

10. Sam Smith / Beethoven   Piano Sonata #12 3rd mvt

11. Julie Woodall / Chopin   Scherzo 3

12. Annette Russo with Julie / Wright/Borodin   And This Is My Beloved

13. Annette Russo with Julie / Donaudy   Amorosi miei giorni

14. Abbie and Judy Manganiello / Pam Asberry   Flamingo Strut piano duet

15. Abbie Hattauer / Pam Asberry   In the Bleak Midwinter

(Respectfully submitted by: Annette Russo)

Our Home Musicale met at the lovely home of Anna Armstrong.  Twelve of us met that morning, and we were glad to welcome a first time listener, Sue Shepherd.  We enjoyed a variety of music including flute, a vocal piece and a great selection of piano pieces.  Tom played a lively waltz written by his father while he was still living in Czechoslovakia.  Everyone was intent on perfecting their performances , and it was like a Thursday morning concert. 

After the music we enjoyed a delicious luncheon of chicken salad sandwiches,  braised beef, fried okra, applesauce, and tiramisu cake, ginger cookies, chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies, and iced tea.  We thank Anna for welcoming us into her  home.

Please join us for our next Musicale at Piano Works on October 15, 2019 at 10 am.

Anna Armstrong / Debussy   Petite Suite (III. Menuet)

Anna Armstrong / Grieg   Norwegian Dances (II.)

Annette Russo w/Anna / And This Is My Beloved

Chen Pan / Franck   Prelude Op.18

Sabine Walsh / Yiruma    River Flows in You

Abbie Hattauer / Asberry   In the bleak midwinter

Janet Yao / Chopin   Nocturne in E minor, Op.72 No.1

Tom Slavicek / B. Slavicek   Waltz No. 1

Tom Slavicek / Chopin   Preludes Op. 28, Nos 4, 6

Utako Tanigawa / Chopin   Etude Op. 25 No.1 & Op. 10 No.12

Jimmy Baskerville / Brahms   Rhapsody # 1

Ed Ewing / Ravel   Toccata from Le Tombeau de Couperin 

Steven Bennett / Listener

Sue Shepherd / Listener

​

(Respectfully submitted by: Annette Russo)

The Georgia Musicale Group gave a concert at the Cherokee Art Center in Canton, GA for the first time.  The concert was a benefit for the Cherokee Art Center.  GMG members enjoyed performing their concert in this great venue. We thank the Cherokee Art Center for coordinating this concert and their hospitality to our members that evening.

Our MC, Tom Slavicek, introduced each performer by reading their bio and giving a brief description of the piece to be performed.  Here are some highlights of the program.  During the first half of the program, we heard Mary Leaf’s “Rhapsody in G minor”, Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude Op. 3 No.2”, and “Three Gershwin Preludes”. Our vocalists sang “O del mio amato ben” and “Amor ti vieta” as well as some lighter pieces like “You Raise Me Up” and “As Long As He Needs Me”. 

After a brief intermission, the vocal selections included, Shubert’s “An die Musik” and Saint-Saens’ Mon Coeur s’ouvre a ta voix.  Our pianists continued the with Schumann-Liszt’s Widmung and Chopin’s Etude Op. 10 No. 12(Revolutionary).  The program continued with Rondo Capriccioso by Mendelssohn, two Chopin Etudes Op. 25 No. 1 and Op. 10 No. 3  .The finale was the beautiful Brahms’ Rhapsody Op. 72 No 2.

Our wonderful audience of over 55 attendees enjoyed two hours of beautiful music. Thank you to the Cherokee Art Center for inviting us to perform this concert.  We must also thank Steven Bennett for his help backstage.  There were many workers behind the scenes to make this concert a success.  Thanks to all of you.   It wouldn’t be a GMG event without refreshments.  The audience joined us after the concert for some light refreshments. It was a wonderful evening.  

Please join us for our next concert on November 10, 2019 at John’s Creek United Methodist Church at 4 p.m.

Please take time to read the program as it was presented.

​

Program

*Thomas Slavicek                                     Master of Ceremonies

Judy Manganiello (Piano) / Rhapsody in G Minor   Mary Leaf (1925 –2004)  

Fuling Chiang (Tenor) & Joshua Shue (Piano) / You Raise Me Up   Rolf Lovland (1955 - ) 

Robin Engleman (Mezzo Soprano) &  Anna Armstrong (Piano) / As Long as He Needs Me from Oliver   Lionel Bart (1930 - 1999)

Judy Manganiello (Piano)/ La La Land Medley   Justin Hurwitz (1985 - )

Fuling Chiang (Tenor) & Joshua Shue (Piano) / Amor ti vieta   Umberto Giordano (1867 –1948)

Annette Russo (Soprano) & Robin Engleman (Piano) / O del mio amato ben   Stefano Donaudy (1879 –1925)

Asa J. Williams (Piano) / Prelude Op. 3 No.2   Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873 –1943)

Anna Armstrong (Piano) / Three Preludes   George Gershwin (1898-1937)  

~ Intermission ~

​

Robin Engleman (Mezzo Soprano) & Kimber Kwiatkowski (Piano) / An die musik   Franz Peter Schubert (1797 - 1828)

Utako Tanigawa (Piano) / Widmung (Dedication)   Robert Schuman (1810-1856), Transcribed by Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

Etude Op. 10 No.12 (Revolutionary)   Frederic Chopin (1810 - 1849)

Abbie Hattauer (Mezzo Soprano) & Asa J. Williams (Piano) / Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix  Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

Utako Tanigawa (Piano) / Rondo Capriccioso   Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 1847)

Asa J. Williams (Piano) / Etude Op. 25 No.1 (Aeolian Harp), Etude Op. 10 No.3   Frederic Chopin (1810 - 1849)

Kimber Kwiatkowski (Piano) / Rhapsody Op. 72 No.2   Johannes Brahms (1833 –1897)

​

(Respectfully Submitted by: Annette Russo)

Our Tuesday morning, GMG members and guests gathered at Piano Works in Duluth, GA.  There were 18 members and guests this morning.  We began with a brief discussion of the Spivey Hall Concert. All agreed that the whole concert experience was very worthwhile, and we look forward to next year’s concert.

We thoroughly enjoyed hearing Pam Asberry play two of her original compositions.  One featured the clarinet played by Leanne.  A variety of vocal pieces included music theatre, Grieg’s I Love Thee, and Saint Saens’ Mon Coeur.  Some played very demanding and lengthy pieces as you will see in the program. We all appreciate the dedication from each performer to accomplish these difficult pieces.  Finally, Asa concluded with a Shubert Piano Sonata.

Delicious refreshments were ready for us as we socialized.  We enjoyed fresh berries, chips, cheese and crackers, spice cake and brownies.  This was another wonderful musicale, great music, great food, and great people.  We hope you will join us next time.  The next Home Musicale will be on October 3 at 10 am.  

The details of today’s program follow.

​

1. Robin Engleman & Anna Armstrong / Bart   As Long As He Needs Me From Oliver

                                                                     Harburg/Lane   How Are Things in Glocca Morra from Finian’s Rainbow

2. Leanne Manning & Pam Asberry / Asberry   Eventually

3. Abbie Hattauer & Asa Williams / Saint Saens   Mon coeur

4. Annette Russo / Grieg   I Love Thee

5. Pam Asberry / Asberry   The Presence of Wonder

6. Sam Smith / Beethoven   Piano Sonata #12 1st mvt.

7. Jimmy Baskerville / Brahms   Rhapsody #1

8. Utako Tanigawa / Schubert   Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2

9. Pam Martin & Kristi Helfen / DeFalla   Premier Danza Espanola

10. Leanne Manning & Kimber Kwitkowski / Gershwin   3 Preludes

11. Asa J Williams / Schubert   Piano Sonata Op. 143 in A minor, 1stmvt. 

12. Ed Ewing   Listener

13.  Judy Mangianiello   Listener

​

(Respectfully submitted by: Annette Russo)

On this Sunday afternoon, the Georgia Musicale Group, gave a splendid recital at Spivey Hall, Clayton State University.  Asa Williams opened the program with a powerful performance of Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude, Op, 3, No.4”.   The beautiful Brahms “Rhapsody Op. 79, No.2” followed and was skillfully played by Kimber Kwiatkowski.  Abbie Hattauer Dreamed a Dream for us with her lovely vocal solo.  A “Rhapsody” by Mary Leaf was played gracefully with such convincing expression by Judy Manganiello.  Another vocal solo by Robin Engleman, “Elegy”, clearly conveyed the sadness of the one whose love is lost.  Utako Tanigawa’s stunning performance concluded the first half of the program with Chopin’s “Nocturne Op. 27, No.2” and Beethoven’s “Sonata Op. 53” “Waldstein”.  

The second half of the program began with Debussy’s “Jardins sous la pluie, Estampes”.  Shoko Tanaka elegantly played this lovely composition.  The “Premier Rhapsody” for Clarinet and piano by Debussy followed.  Leanne Manning, accompanied by Shoko Tanaka gave a superb performance.   Nico Brett played an outstanding “La campanella” from Grandes Etudes de Paganini, S141. Dawn Delangin Hawk performed with such poise and grace as she played Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude in D major, Op. 23 No.4”.   Pam Martin and Kristi Helfen are a dynamic duo on the piano.  With 4 hands they skillfully played  Dvorak’s “Silent Woods and Troubled Times” from the Bohemian Forest. Our vocalists performed in costume this time.  Robin Engleman gave a wonderful performance of “Non so piu cosa son”.   A charming, “Chacun a Son Gout” was the grand finale for our concert, sung by Abbie Hattauer.

Bravo performers, you were all outstanding. Our lovely audience thoroughly enjoyed the program.  Thank you to all at Spivey Hall and Clayton State University who assisted us in making this concert a success. We also extend a thank you to the Director of Spivey Hall, Mr. Christopher Tollak and Dr. Michiko Otaki, Professor of Music, Clayton State University.  We also want to thank Dr. Utako Tanigawa, Founder and President of Georgia Musicale Group for her organization and direction of this event.  We also would like to express our sincere appreciation to Julie Woodall who served as MC for the concert, and other GMG members; Pam Martin, Krist Helfen, Annette Russo, Asa Williams, and others who have worked behind the scenes preparing and running this concert. 

Respectfully submitted by: Annette Russo