Yuliya Gorenman's black sweater was not the only thing that sparkled on Friday night. The sold-out crowd was awestruck by her flawless and stunning performance presented at the Abramson Family Recital Hall in the Katzen Arts Center.
Described as a "world class pianist of international stature" by Nancy Snider, music program director, Gorenman displayed an impressive level of virtuosity. She mesmerized the audience with works by Brahms, Schumann, Liszt and Beethoven.
"She has great technique, beautiful interpretation and artistry. I have known her for a long time and she always puts on a good performance," said Matthew Van Hoose, accompanist-in-residence and adjunct faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Born in Russia, Gorenman attended St. Petersburg Conservatory, where she began developing her musical instincts and skills. She has performed throughout Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Canada and the United States. In addition, she has gained recognition for her solo, chamber and concerto performances with the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Hugo Wolf String Quartet, Annapolis Symphony and National Symphony Orchestra.
The program began with Brahms' "Two Rhapsodies, Op.79, No.1 in B Minor and No.2 in G Minor." Gorenman's keen sense of rhythm, ability to play the dynamics distinctly and instinctive portrayal of the intricate themes and emotions within the pieces brought the music alive.
"She wowed the audience with her seemingly effortless performance and the intricacies of her piece," said Liz Crowe, a freshman in the School of Public Affairs.
Gorenman also demonstrated immense skill on the second piece, Schumann's "Variations on the Name of Abegg, Op.1." Using the notes A-B-E-G-G, the letters of Schumann's muse and love interest, a melodramatic piece inundated with passion was born. The emotion, intensity and flexibility of each transition swept the crowd through the trials and tribulations of the bittersweet romance.
"Her hands flowed over the keys like an ice skater," said Thais Miller, a freshman music minor in CAS.
After taking a moment between songs, Gorenman began her two Liszt pieces.
Liszt demands a firm command of the more technical aspects of piano and she did not disappoint the compelling composer.
In "La leggierezza" and "Fun?railles," Gorenman displayed the fervor Liszt demanded and swept the audience into the compelling performance.
"Yuliya displays the drama within the piece that portrays the composers' true intent," said Gina Di Medio Marrazza, an accompanist-in-residence in CAS.
Gorenman ended the program with two beautifully-crafted sonatas, "Piano Sonata in F Minor, Op. 2, No.1" and "Piano Sonata in C-sharp minor, Op.27, No.2" ("Moonlight"), both by Beethoven.
The sonatas further displayed her tenacious memory and her capacity to interpret a piece to her audience with clarity. With tremendous applause and a standing ovation, Gorenman's performance proved to be inspiring and a true testimony of her ability.
"Tonight is a night where music is glistening. We all feel empowered," Marrazza said.
