Pianist performs personal renditions
“I took an interest in the early works of Johannes Brahms,” Orr said. “Since Brahms’ piano sonatas are less familiar, they exhibit an individuality that Brahms showed, even at age 19.”
In the music world, Orr is widely known as a gifted pianist with a wide repertoire that includes the work of many composers. He continues to share his talent with students at the University of Florida, where Orr serves as Associate Professor of Piano.
During his performance at GCSU, he gave short commentary on each piece and theme before and after his performance.
Invited by the music department, Orr served as another renowned guest artist to tour at GCSU this season. Though students and community members attended the performance for a variety of reasons, all were pleased with Orr’s skill and precision.
“I’m here for my Gothic Imagination class,” Shelley Fallon said. “(However) I used to play piano and really enjoy listening to it.”
Orr captivated audience members with his dynamic recital. He added personal touches to Brahms’ sonatas, creating a unique and spellbinding performance.
“I enjoyed it,” Tyler Allen said. “But I think classical music is something people think of as a dying art.”
Interest in the concert extended past the campus, as Milledgeville community members also attended.
Milledgeville resident Shirley O’Quinn attends many concerts and feels very enthusiastic about the current series of recitals at Max Noah.
“I have been in Milledgeville for two years and just love the great plays, concerts and recitals,” said O’Quinn. “I am concerned that more people do not participate and wish that better publicity could have drawn more interest.”
Crowds were not overwhelming in size, but audience members enjoyed Orr’s dexterous skill and stunning performance. Many students favored Brahms’ second sonata, which was more dream-like and spontaneous than many of his other works.
“I liked (the recital),” Jessica Long said. “Good contrast with dynamics, he played the density of Brahms very well.”
Though the dense structure of Brahms’ music creates problems for some pianists, Orr played masterfully, and explained to the audience that the difficulties of the pieces were mastered with much patience and practice.
“I got the most positive feedback from Brahms,” Orr said. “The vibe from the audience was just great and that’s why I continue to pursue it.”
Each year, Orr is chair of the University of Florida Young Pianist’s festival, and Orr’s skill as a pianist seems to be only surpassed by his skill as a teacher.
During his performance, he took time to make the recital personal and make commentary about the different aspects of the pieces that he performed.
Though many listeners were unfamiliar with classical music, all seemed to enjoy Orr’s performance.
“I came for extra credit for class,” said sophomore Samantha Jackson. “I think classical music helps you grow and helps you to relax.”
Thanks to Orr’s masterful performance, audience members were treated to a relaxing, informative and fun recital.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 20 2009. Filed under Features.
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