By: Bredndan Gaffney

 

When describing hell musically, one usually treads lightly. Frederic Chiu, a Sterne Virtuoso Concert Series performer, does the opposite.

 

Tackling Franz Liszt's "Apres un lecture du Dante," a musical interpretation of Dante's trip through hell, Chiu hit listeners with as much musical turmoil and bittersweet melody as he could muster. He lived up to the strong tradition of the Sterne Virtuoso Concert Series, which has brought Skidmore wonderful musicians like Michael Ludwig and Hai-Ye Ni, as he dazzled the packed Filene Recital Hall with his strong technical abilities and dazzling array of works.

 

Chiu was born to a Chinese immigrant family in Ithaca, New York in 1964. Since childhood, he excelled as a pianist and won many competitions during his time in Indiana University and at the Julliard School in New York

 

After much recognition from his career in the United States, Chiu moved to Paris, where he continued to garner praise for his fluency on the piano. He went on to tour the world, often working with students and children through concerts and lectures.

 

During his visit to Skidmore beginning on Thursday, Nov. 20, Frederic Chiu gave a master class for the benefit of the students. An intriguing and informative speaker, his lessons and advice to the musicians and non-musicians of the audience were particularly captivating and insightful.

 

The next day, Frederic Chiu switched from verbal to musical speech, playing first through Mendelssohn's Sonata in E Major and "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso." His command over the keys was immediately recognizable. His fluent runs up and down the piano, sometimes at blindingly fast speeds, and romantic flair were engaging. His soft melodies and sweeps were soothing and fragile.

 

Chiu then moved into Chopin, playing Etudes Op.10 No. 3, 4, 10, 11, 12 and Op. 25 No. 1. The counterpoint runs came out piano beautifully. Pausing halfway through the Etudes for the intermission, Chiu was delighted to discover through a show of hands that most of the audience had noticed the missing two pieces.

 

Chiu launched last into Liszt, performing two pieces from "Years of Pilgrimage" ("Petrarch Sonnet 104 and 107" and "Apres un lecture du Dante") as well as Liszt's transcription of Wagner's "Liebestod" from the musical drama "Tristan und Isolde." Chiu truly put his soul into these pieces. His heart-wrenching playing through "Liebestod" and his hammering through "Apres un lecture du Dante" left the crowd stunned.

 

After a standing ovation, the audience slowly trickled out, chattering about the dazzling skills they had just witnessed. It was a performance no audience member will be quick to forget.

 

© Copyright 2008 Skidmore News