Young Critic Review: DANNY DRIVER piano

There is simply too much to say about this concert. Not only was the music masterfully played throughout, but Danny proved himself to be both a true performer and a true musician (though I think we all knew that anyway) – first, by continuing his concert without pause or misstep when a thunderstorm shook the building and the lights went out; second, by showing immense concern for the wellbeing of his instrument, the Festival piano, when water started coming through the roof. The calm and poise with which he returned to the Chopin sonata was admirable, and though the thunder and flashes of lightning disturbed the audience, his performance was unaffected.

The concert opened with the Mozart Piano Sonata No. 12 in F Major. An informative and engrossing introduction to the piece was followed by a confident start, which led into an incredible rendition of the Sonata. His enthusiasm for the piece, the piano and music in general shone through in every note he sang through the piano, and this continued later on. Again providing the fascinating backstory of his next piece, the eight-movement Kreisleriana of literary-inspiration, he took care to tell the story of the book on which it is based not just in his words prior to the performance of it, but in the piece itself. This was followed by a brand-new composition Ash, by Irish composer Deidre McKay. A third time, Danny provided the backstory of the piece before evoking the image of the protective ash tree fighting against chaos, trauma and disease when he turned to the piano.

Finally, of course, the Chopin Sonata No. 3 in B Minor. Despite being forced to duet with an unexpected guest (the aforementioned thunderstorm), Danny’s performance continued to be impeccable. The obvious joy he found in music enraptured the audience despite the numerous distractions – it can most definitely be said that, despite all the chaos surrounding the church, this concert was a spectacular success.

By Sophie N

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