Previous Concerts
Ariel Lanyi
Concert: Sunday, March 5, 2023
Masterclass: Saturday, March 4, 2023
In 2021, Ariel won Third Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition. In the same year he was a prize winner in the inaugural Young Classical Artists Trust (London) and Concert Artists Guild (New York) International Auditions.
Concert Program:
Beethoven - Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 2, No. 2
César Franck - Prélude, aria et final, Op. 23
Robert Schumann - Symphonic Études, Op. 13 (1852)
Masterclass Program:
Bartok - Sonatina (I. Molto Moderato)
Haydn - Piano Sonata in C Major HobXVI/35 (III. Allegro)
Chopin - Étude in E Major Op. 10, No. 3
Excerpt of Review by Paul Baker
"A full house witnessed the breathtaking talent of Ariel Lanyi March 5 as he offered a program of late classical and full-blooded Romantic music."
Janice Carissa
Concert: Saturday, October 8, 2022
Masterclass: Sunday, October 9, 2022
Recently named a Gilmore Young Artist and winner of Salon de Virtuosi, Indonesian pianist Janice Carissa has been praised for radiating "the multicolored highlights of a mature pianist" (Philadelphia Inquirer) and for her artistry that "conveys a vivid story rather than a mere showpiece" (Chicago Classical Review).
Janice Carissa appeared by arrangement with The Curtis Institute of Music.
Concert Program:
Brahms - Piano Sonata No. 3
Prokofiev - Sonata No. 8
Testimonial
"I just wanted to mention how wonderful this weekend's Salon activities were. Janice Carissa was fantastic both as a performer and a masterclass teacher. She was so engaged with the piano students and was inspiring to all of us in analyzing and bringing the three pieces to life. I was blown away by the students' skills.
"The Steinway sounded fantastic!
"Thanks again to everyone who arranged for and sponsored Janice Carissa!"
-David
Excerpt of Review by Paul Baker
"Carissa, a diminutive musician of volcanic power, offered an ambitious program of Brahms and Prokofiev. Her performance awed the packed house with her Dionysian passion, shaped by the Apollonian rigors of her conservatory training."
Niklas Sivelöv
Concert: Sunday, September 18, 2022
Masterclass: Saturday, September 17, 2022
One of the leading Scandinavian pianists, Niklas Sivelöv has won critical acclaim and enchanted audiences with his artistic temperament, impeccable technique, and spellbinding stage presence.
Watch a video of Niklas Sivelöv's performance
Concert Program:
Beethoven - 6 Bagatelles, Op. 126
Bach - Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826
Schoenberg - Suite for Piano, Op. 25
Scriabin
Prelude Op. 16, No. 1
Etude Op. 8, No. 2
Mazurka Op. 3, No. 1
Prelude Op. 15, No. 1
Etude Op. 42, No. 5
Sivelöv - selection from 24 Preludes
Excerpt of Review by Paul Baker
For his September 18 concert, Swedish virtuoso Niklas Sivelöv strode out in long tails and gray ascot looking not a little like a clean-shaven Beethoven. As he sat at the vintage Mason & Hamlin 1906 model AA piano I appreciated that nod to sartorial tradition.
Daniel del Pino
Concert: Saturday, August 27, 2022
Masterclass: Sunday, August 28, 2022
Watch a video of Daniel del Pino's performance
Concert Program:
Albéniz - Iberia
Tercer cuaderno
El Albaicín
El Polo
Lavapiés
Cuarto cuaderno
Málaga
Jerez
Eritaña
Primer cuaderno
Evocación
El Puerto
El Corpus en Sevilla
Segundo cuaderno
Rondeña
Almería
Triana
Excerpt of Review by Paul Baker
Spanish pianist Daniel del Pino mesmerized the Salon Piano Series audience August 27 with a commanding performance of Isaac Albéniz's Iberia suite, a 90-minute epic in 12 movements offering an impression of Southern Spain's places, dances, and songs.
Bill Charlap
Concerts: Saturday, May 21, 2022
& Sunday, May 22, 2022
Masterclass: Saturday, May 21, 2022
Watch a video of Bill Charlap's performance
Pianist Bill Charlap is a two-time Grammy nominee and jazz legend from New York, making his long-awaited first appearance in Madison. Recommended by our friend, Dick Hyman, Charlap is sure to fill the house for both concerts.
With two Bill Charlap concerts, true jazz afficionados know each performance will have its own flair. Bill promises to repeat a few favorites, and intersperse new selections in each concert, responding to the instrument, the crowd, and the jazz gods.
Excerpt of Review by Paul Baker
Mr. Charlap is a gifted improviser with encyclopedic knowledge of popular songs and Broadway tunes, focusing on the 1940s and 1950s. He's a master of the instrument, with a light touch and easy command of sophisticated harmonies and voicings, an orchestra unto himself. He employed frequent changes in key and tempo, developing each tune into a mini-suite. His hands are capable of volcanic velocity, playing at double, triple, quadruple time.
Drew Petersen
Concert: Saturday, March 5, 2022
Masterclass: Sunday, March 6, 2022
Watch a video of Drew Petersen's performance
Praised for his commanding and poetic performances, Drew Petersen is the recipient of the 2018 Avery Fisher Career Grant Award and winner of the 2017 American Pianists Awards' top prize.
Concert Program:
Ravel - Sonatine
Ravel - Gaspard de la Nuit
Rachmaninoff - Sonata No. 2
Excerpt of Review by Ruben Piirainen
The late winter rain storm provided a lush and impressionistic aural backdrop for the solo piano recital by Drew Petersen at Farley's House of Pianos on March 5, 2022. I like to think that Petersen played the Ravel Sonatine (1906) with particular awareness of his elegant phrasing being incidentally accompanied by the dreamy murmur of raindrops on the roof. Indeed, even before playing a single note of the first movement, he was already listening; it was as if he stepped into the stream of a piece already in progress, and the notes flowed beneath his fingers, spinning long, beautiful phrases both sweet and lyrical. The voicing was always conspicuous but so gracefully executed, even among passages of rapid harmonic changes. The second movement treated the audience to even more elegance with moments of real orchestral color. Particularly lovely was the understated grandeur of the final moments of this movement. Moving into the third movement, Petersen continued his miniaturist treatment of this piece in terms of both presentation and dynamics. I found myself marveling at the wide spectrum of pianistic colors he achieved while never once exceeding a mezzo forte dynamic.
Rachel Barton Pine
Friday, November 5, 2021
Watch a video of Rachel Barton Pine's performance
Concert Program:
Dvořák - Sonatina in G major for violin and piano, Op. 100
Beethoven - Violin Sonata in A major, No. 9, Op. 47, "The Bridgetower Sonata"*
Dolores White - Blues Dialogues
William Grant Still - Here's One
Billy Childs - Incident on Larpenteur Avenue **
William Grant Still - Suite for Violin and Piano
*This piece is more commonly known as the 'Kreutzer' Sonata, following a re-dedication by Beethoven. However, it was originally dedicated to George Polgreen Bridgetower (1778-1860) a virtuoso violinist of Black descent, whose prodigious talent inspired Beethoven to create this celebrated piece.
**Commissioned and premiered by Rachel Barton Pine
Excerpt of Review by Matt Ambrosio
On Friday, Nov. 5, Farley's House of Pianos' Salon Piano Series featured trailblazing violinist Rachel Barton Pine, whose gift for musical narrative was perfect for the evening's intimate parlor setting. Her playing is fearless yet approachable, and her mastery of diverse technical skills is captivating.
Pine's virtuosity extends beyond performance. The Rachel Barton Pine Foundation has helped provide a greater platform for black composers underrepresented in classical music history. The foundation's compiled collection of over 900 works by black composers serves as a resource so that this music gains more attention. Extending this mission to her concert programming, Pine's Friday concert featured pieces whose stories intertwined with black musicking in some way.
Maxim Lando
In-Person Concert: Sunday, August 8, 2021
On-demand virtual concert: August 15 - August 29, 2021
Artist's residency activity is made possible through the Annaliese Soros Educational Residency Fund of Young Concert Artists.
Concert Program:
Chopin - 24 Preludes, Op. 28
Ravel - Gaspard de la nuit
Carl Vine - Piano Sonata No. 1
Excerpt of Review by Bill Lutes
The first concert in this season's Salon Piano Series at Farley's House of Pianos was an especially exciting event. For me, and I'm sure for most of us in the audience, the recital by the brilliant young pianist Maxim Lando was our first opportunity to hear a live and in-person piano recital since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020. In addition, Mr. Lando was returning to Farley's, having played a remarkable "debut" recital there in November 2019, just after being awarded the Gilmore Young Artist Award for 2020. At that time, we heard him play a late Sonata by Beethoven and all twelve of the Liszt Transcendental Études: a formidable assignment for any mature artist, never mind one who had not yet reached his 20th year.
Kangwoo Jin
Virtual concert Sunday, April 25, and on demand through May 9, 2021
Watch a video of Kangwoo Jin's performance
Praised for his "refined tone quality with powerful energy" (Chosun Daily Newspaper), Kangwoo Jin is an accomplished pianist concertizing nationally and internationally, including performances in Germany, Italy, China, Indonesia, and Korea. Jin gave his debut concert at the Sejong Arts Center (Seoul, Korea), sponsored by the Chosun Daily Newspaper, and has also given live performances on Wisconsin Public Radio and WORT 89.9 FM. Jin appears frequently as a guest artist at music festivals, universities, and various concert series. Recent invitations include UW-River Falls, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and Tongji University in Shanghai. He has been also invited as a guest artist by Kawai USA for the Kawai Concert at the annual Piano Technicians Guild Convention and Technical Institute in Florida.
Jin completed the Bachelor of Music degree at Hanyang University in South Korea and earned his Performer Diploma and Master's of Music at Indiana University, where he worked as an associate instructor. He is the recipient of the J. Battista Scholarship for performance excellence at Indiana University and the Collins Distinguished Fellowship for his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Concert Program:
Scarlatti - Sonatas (ca. 1756-1757)
Beethoven - Sonata in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 ("Moonlight") (1801)
Liszt - Transcriptions for Piano
Schumann - Symphonic Etudes, Op.13 (1830)
Bishop - Home, Sweet Home
Letter from Lise Skofronick
Dear Renée and Tim,
Thank you for creating the Salon Piano Series. It's easy to imagine myself in the time of Mozart and others when friends would gather in someone's salon to listen to beautiful music.
Today I spent a delightful hour glued to my computer enjoying Kangwoo Jin's performance. It was nothing less than surreal. His interpretation of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" was so moving. Perfect venue, perfect piano.
Thank you for leaving this concert available for a few more days. I intend to listen a few more times.
I wish you well in your music endeavors and good health to enjoy each day.
Warm regards,
Lise Skofronick
Shai Wosner
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Watch a video of Shai Wosner's performance
Watch a video about the piano Shai Wosner played at this concert
Concert Program:
Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 15 in D major, Op. 28
Scarlatti - Sonata in D Minor K141
Rzewski - Nano Sonata No. 36 ("To A Young Man")
Scarlatti - Sonata in D Minor K9
Rzewski - Nano Sonata No. 38 ("To A Great Guy")
Scarlatti - Sonata in C Minor K230
Rzewski - Nano Sonata No. 12
Schubert - Sonata in B-flat Major D960
Excerpt of Review by Lana Robotewskyj
The idea for "Nano Sonatas" was conceived by American-born composer, Frederic Rzewski, after receiving credit on an article written by his friend, Hideyuki Arata, a scientist born in Okinawa who devoted his life to the studies of nanotechnology and biophysics. The scientist, a piano hobbyist on the side, gave credit to Frederic for "valuable discussions on nanomolecular motors". In response, Frederic dedicated his first Nano Sonata to Hideyuki. What followed were 55 more Nano Sonatas, dedicated mostly to family and friends.
On February 23, 2020, Israeli born pianist, Shai Wosner performed three of the Nano Sonatas, numbers 36, 38, and 12 and sandwiched these between Scarlatti's Sonatas, K141, K9, and K230, at the Farley's House of Piano Salon Piano Series. Only an artist can curate such a program of events and demonstrate that old and new, past and present, baroque and modern, can work together in tonal harmony, on the same instrument. Although the pieces have hundreds of years difference in birth, they all are single movement, small works of art demonstrating the brilliance for repeated note passages, large use of highly contrasting subito dynamics, and the stamina for technical speed while maintaining the prowess for articulate ornamentation, and sound. Nano #36 included some tapping under the keyboard while #12 put the sostenuto pedal to use. All three Nano Sonatas had time signature changes throughout and #12 specifically resembled folk dances of the Balkans. The length of each of the six Sonatas was of similar timing, and the weaving of Scarlatti and Rzewski created a perfect juxtaposition of this musical symbiotic relationship.
Maxim Lando
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Watch a video of Beethoven's Sonata No. 30 Andante molto cantibile ed espressivo
Watch a video of Beethoven's Sonata No. 30 Adagio espressivo
Concert Program:
Kapustin - Concert Etude "Toccatina"
Beethoven - Sonata No. 30 in E Major
Scriabin - Prelude in B major
Scriabin - Etude in D-sharp minor
Liszt - Transcendental Etudes
Excerpt from an email from Cameron Ramsay to Renée Farley
Maxim Lando's concert at Farley's House of Pianos was truly a once in-a-life-time experience. The drama, passion, and artistic excellence of such a brilliant young artist was a true gift to behold. The music, besides by name, was transcendental, moving heart and soul into new conscious depths. I heard three people in the audience mention they now have witnessed and believe in reincarnation. Mr. Farley's piano was a perfect match for the artistry and intensity of Mr. Lando's delivery. Thank you Tim and Renee for your unending commitment to bring great artists to your intimate venue for us all to share.
Amit Peled, cello, and Daniel del Pino, piano
Friday, October 4, 2019 and Saturday, October 5, 2019
Watch a video of Amit Peled and Daniel del Pino's performance
Concert Program:
Eccles - Sonata
Beethoven - Sonata in g minor no. 2
Cassadó - Sonata in old style
Strauss - Sonata op. 6
Excerpt from an email from Amit Peled to Renée Farley
I wanted to thank you for the lovely three days in Madison. Absolutely a joy to share music making and teaching with the warm and enthusiastic public. Many thanks for all that you do for the community and hope to be back in the near future.
Excerpt of Review by Greg Hettmansberger
For more than five years, the showroom at Farley's House of Pianos has been the place to hear some of the world's great artists, up close and personal. As it turns out, what eventually became the Salon Piano Series is celebrating its fifth season as a non-profit arts organization, expanding its series to six events, and endeavoring to make each event even more special (if possible!).
Tim and Renee Farley early on had the idea that the concerts didn't always have to feature a solo pianist, and a few seasons ago we were treated to the Israeli-American cellist, Amit Peled (pictured above, courtesy of SPS). At that time he was in the midst of a long tour in which he re-created a Pablo Casals recital program, c. 1914—on Casals's own cello! To say that the event was memorable is just the simplest of understatements; what we learned last Friday, in the first of two performances by Peled and Spanish pianist Daniel del Pino, is that the instrument was doubly uncomfortable...
Ilya Yakushev
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Watch a video of Ilya Yakushev's performance
Concert Program:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Adagio in B minor, K. 540 (1788)
Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata in F minor, Op.57 (1804)
Franz Lizst - Vallée d'Obermann (1855)
Lizst - Schumann's "Widmung," S.566 (1848)
Lizst - Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S.514 (1862)
Excerpt of Review by Lana Robotewskyj
To quote German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), "Music is the occult metaphysical exercise of a soul not knowing that it philosophizes." This idea of supernatural soul-searching and questioning can be applied to the programming chosen and performed by Russian pianist, Ilya Yakuchev.
On Saturday evening, Ilya performed a very special and memorable program at Farley's House of Pianos. Prior to his evening piano concert, Ilya conducted a public masterclass that afternoon for three area piano students who performed works of Beethoven and Chopin. Reminding the students that they must use their voices to phrase, their fingers to sing, and their ears to time the last note is reminiscent of Chopin, whose great love of Viennese opera influenced his own teachings and writings, and that of Artur Schnabel who is known to have said "bar lines should be seen, but not heard." As evidenced by all, Ilya is as good of an instructor as he is a performer. And what a performance!
Trio Céleste
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Watch a video of Trio Céleste's performance
Concert Program:
Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50 (1882) by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
I. Pezzo elegiac: Moderato assai - Allegro giusto
II. Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto
Var I
Var II: Più mosso
Var III: Allegro moderato
Var IV: L'istesso tempo (Allegro moderato)
Var V: L'istesso tempo
Var VI: Tempo di Valse
Var VII: Allegro moderato
Var VIII: Fuga (Allegro moderato)
Var IX: Andante flebile, ma non tanto
Var X: Tempo di mazurka
Var XI: Moderato
Variazioni finale e coda: Allegro risoluto e con fuoco
Coda: Andante con moto - Lugubre (L'istesso tempo)
Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor (1892) by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Lento lugubre
Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (1965-1970) (selections) by Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) and arranged for piano trio by José Bragato
Primavera Porteña (Spring)
Verano Porteño (Summer)
Otoño Porteño (Autumn)
Invierno Porteño (Winter)
Excerpt of Review by John W. Barker
In its Salon Piano Series, Farley's House of Pianos has been offering splendid piano recitals. But it has augmented that by bringing other musicians to join in chamber music programs, showing them at work with the vintage pianos in the Farley collection, so lovingly restored.
On Sunday afternoon, the series brought the Trio Céleste from California to play just such a program. Consisting of violinist Iryna Krechkovsky, cellist Ross Gasworth and pianist Kevin Kwan Loucks, the group played a demanding program of predominantly Russian origins.
Excerpt of Review by Greg Hettmansberger
Most of the time the Salon Piano Series, an exquisite season of four concerts held in Farley's House of Pianos showroom, features pianists, usually one at a time. But Tim and Renee Farley have developed a delicious habit of adding a small ensemble into the mix, and it was a winning combination Sunday afternoon.
Trio Céleste consists of Iryna Krechkovsky, violin, Ross Gasworth, cello and pianist Kevin Kwan Loucks. They have been together for about seven years, but it is in the last couple of seasons that their reputation has made a meteoric rise, thanks in part to a Carnegie Hall debut last year. Based at the University of California-Irvine, the group heads east about once a month; the audience that packed salon at Farley's clearly appreciated that now it was Madison's turn.
John O'Conor
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Watch a video of John O'Conor's performance
Program
Haydn Sonata in b minor Hob XVI No. 32
Schubert Four Impromptus D 899
Field Three Nocturnes:
No. 5 in B flat major
No. 6 in F major
No. 18 in E major "Le Midi"
Beethoven Sonata in c sharp minor Op.27 No. 2 "Moonlight"
Excerpt of Review by John W. Barker
Lovers of piano music were given a special treat this past weekend — a double-header, allowing access to two different dimensions of one of the important pianists of our time.
John O'Conor, the Irish pianist, appeared on Friday evening with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO), presenting a stimulating performance of the Piano Concerto No. 3 by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Then, the following evening, at the Salon Piano Series at Farley's House of Pianos, O'Conor gave a solo recital that showed the more personalized aspects of his art.
Alon Goldstein & the Pro Arte Quartet
Saturday, March 10, 2018 and Sunday, March 11, 2018
Watch a video of Alon Goldstein & the Pro Arte Quartet's performance
Program
Selected Scarlatti sonatas
Mozart Concerto No. 23
Brahms Piano Quintet, Op. 34
Excerpt of Review by John W. Barker
The latest offering in the Salon Piano series from Farley's House of Pianos is a thought-provoking one.
First, the performers. Alon Goldstein is the visiting pianist, and he begins things with a Scarlatti sonata, played on a clavichord built by Tim Farley, then repeated on piano. He also plays three other pieces — none of which are identified. Goldstein is a stimulating musician who is also skilled in giving spoken introductions to his performances.
Ilya Yakushev
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Watch a video of Ilya Yakushev's performance
Program
Haydn's Piano Sonata in D
Tchaikovsky's Sentimental Waltz
Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition
Roberto Plano & Paola Del Negro
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Watch a video of Roberto Plano & Paola Del Negro's performance
Program
Schumann's Pictures from the East (Bilder aus Osten, Op. 66)
Burgmein (aka Ricordi) Suite "Les amoureux de Colombine"
Brahms' Hungarian Dances - selected from Dances 1-5
The Moldau by Smetana
Brahms' Sonata for Two Pianos, Op. 34b
Excerpt of Review by John W. Barker
Roberto Plano appeared last season in a four-piano concert in the Salon Piano Series at Farley's House of Pianos. This year, to open the 2017-18 season in the same series on last Sunday afternoon, the Boston-based pianist brought along his pianist wife, Paola Del Negro, for a duo program of utter fascination.
The first half of the program was devoted to music for piano-four hands, the duo alternating between primo and secondo parts. Robert Schumann's six "Pictures From the East," Op. 66, are examples of the composer's important duo output.
Isabella Lippi Trio
with Paula Kosower and Kuang-Hao Huang
Friday, May 19, 2017
Watch a video of the Isabella Lippi Trio's performance
Program
Mozart - Trio in B-flat major, K. 502
Shostakovich - Trio No 2 in E minor, Op 67
Dvorak - Trio No 4 in E minor, Op 90 ("Dumky")
Excerpt of Review by Greg Hettmansberger
It has been proven repeatedly that the greatest works in the realm of chamber music invariably receive their greatest performances from players who have played together for years; many well-known string quartet members will tell you that their professional relationships are often closer than their marriages.
So the curiosity bar was raised when the close of the Salon Piano Series was announced, with the Isabella Lippi Trio (pictured above, courtesy of Farley's House of Pianos), tackling three undisputed masterpieces of the piano trio repertoire. One learned after the evening, over the usually lovely reception presented at Farley's House of Pianos, that violinist Lippi, cellist Paula Kosower, and pianist Kuang-Hao Huang had all played together—in other ensembles. But in the intimate confines of the Farley's showroom last Friday, they tackled piano trios of Mozart, Shostakovich and Dvorak.
4 on the Floor
Daniel del Pino, Lucille Chung, Alon Goldstein, and Roberto Plano
Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2016
Watch Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre
Watch Ravel's Bolero
Program
Sonata in D for one piano four hands, K. 381—Mozart
Danse Macabre for four pianos arranged by Ernest Guiraud—Saint-Saëns
Carmen Fantasy for four pianos arranged by Mack Wilberg—Bizet
Transcription of Boléro for four pianos—Ravel
Rhapsody no. 2 for four pianos arranged by Richard Kleinmichel—Liszt
Amit Peled
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Watch a video of Amit Peled's performance
Program
Sonata in G minor—Handel
Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009—Bach
7 Variations on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen," WoO 46—Beethoven
Élégie —Fauré
Sicilienne—Fauré
Papillon—Fauré
Aria From Organ Pastoral in F, BWV 590—Bach
Allegro Appassionato in B minor, Op. 43—Saint-Saëns
Excerpt of Review by John W. Barker
Once again, Farley's House of Pianos has shown what a unique outpost it is for classical music in Madison.
On last Saturday night, it presented the brilliant young Israeli-American cellist Amit Peled, with his working accompanist, Noreen Cassidy-Polera, having snared them along the line of their current national tour.
For this visit, he brought with him not only his own talents, but a remarkable instrument. This was a cello made in 1733 by Matteo Gofriller, once owned and played on by no less than Pablo Casals. Two years ago, it was entrusted to Peled on loan by Marta Casals Istomin, the great cellist's widow.
Excerpt of Review by Greg Hettmansberger
Any event at the Salon Piano Series at Farley's House of Pianos contains at least a whiff of musical history: The establishment has long been renowned for its superb restorations of historic keyboards. So much so that pianists who get within a few hours of Madison will arrange to come and play one or more of the fine instruments, and a few times a year a hundred or so lucky folks get to soak up the results.
Happily, the artistic sensibilities of Tim and Renee Farley extend beyond "mere" pianism, and cellist Amit Peled made a return visit Saturday night. The event could hardly have been more auspicious from a purely esthetic perspective; Peled has been playing the c. 1733 Goffriller cello played by Pablo Casals for the last couple of years or so. Shortly after having the instrument loaned to him by Casals' widow, Peled discovered at his place of work, the Peabody Conservatory of Music, a program that Casals performed there in 1915. It was one stop on an extended U.S. tour, and suddenly Peled knew what part of the purpose was in having this instrument at his disposal: Repeat the program.
Dick Hyman
Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31, 2015
Watch a video of Dick Hyman's performance
Set List for May 31 Concert
Cherokee
I Feel Pretty
All Blues
Tenderly
But Not for Me
Waltz in A flat Major (Op. 69 No. 1) by Chopin
Tea For Two
Jazz Me Blues
Without A Song
Emily
Luck Be A Lady Tonight
'Deed I Do
I'll Take Romance / How Deep Is the Ocean
Summertime
It Ain't Necessarily So
Review by Lana Robotewskyj
Tapping toes, swaying shoulders, bobbing heads, dancing fingers...clearly, a jazzist was in the house--and a phenomenal pianist at that! Farley's House of Pianos hosted the last Salon Piano Series concert of the 2014-15 season, and did it end with a bang! Dick Hyman, who has recorded over 100 albums and won an Emmy for his original score to Sunshine's On the Way, performed on Sunday, May 31st in the Farley's showroom. Mr. Hyman delivered an intimate and unforgettable performance, appealing to all ages and tastes, featuring music from classical and Broadway hits, to all-time-favorite jazz gems from decades past. His program included titles such as "I Feel Pretty," "All Blues," improvisations on a Chopin Waltz, and "Tea for Two." He even took requests from the audience, dazzling everyone with his nimble fingers, his improvisatory skill set, chord voicings, and scaler patterns. I was especially mesmerized with "Tenderly," which took me back to the years before I was born. I was envisioning myself in the 50's, drinking a cocktail, smoking a long skinny cigarette, done up in Audrey Hepburn hair and gown, and listening to jazz in a nightclub...such a relaxing evening for the mind and soul. The concert was followed by a wonderful reception of apéritifs and gourmet fare including smoked salmon, goat cheese and fig jam, crackers and breads, dips and spreads, and fruit and veggies. Great music coupled with fine food--I can't imagine a more fulfilling evening. The best part of the Salon Piano Series concerts, however, is the chance to meet and greet the performers. I treasure my memories of conversations with these pianists. Thank you for your hospitality at these events, Tim and Renee. I'm excited for the next program!
Martin Kasík
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Watch a video of Martin Kasík's performance
Dear Mr. Farley,
I would like to thank you for the great experience with your [1914] Mason & Hamlin [CC1] concert grand. Very rarely [does] one play an instrument that has all the[se] qualities: inspiring sound in every register, singing quality, dynamic possibilities as well as responsive and easy mechanics.
I am sure that this instrument would be a wonderful asset of any prime concert hall.
With all my respect and best wishes,
Martin Kasík
Prague, April 30, 2015
Peter Serkin & Julia Hsu - Piano, Four Hands
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Watch a video of Peter Serkin & Julia Hsu's performance
Comments from Jess Anderson, a friend of Salon Piano Series
How fortunate that the Salon Piano Series could bring pianists Peter Serkin and Julia Hsu to Madison for a really outstanding program of four-hands music. The four-hands repertory is huge, much of it very high quality, but too rarely heard in public concerts.
The program was richly varied, opening and ending with works I'd never heard -- Schumann's Six Etudes in the form of Canons for Pedal-Piano, Op. 26, arranged by Bizet, and five of the 21 Hungarian Dances by Brahms, originally written for piano, four-hands.
Also new to me were the Three Pieces from Jeux d'Enfant, by Bizet. Fascinating music indeed.
Between, more familiar four-hand works: Mozart's charming Sonata in B-flat major, K. 358 and two great masterworks by Schubert: the Allegro ma non troppo in A minor (Lebenssturme), D. 947 -- a very demanding work indeed, and the delightful Rondo in A Major, D. 951, Schubert's final 4-hand work. This repertory is rarely programmed, so it was a special treat to hear it played live and with such panache.
I hope we'll be able to hear Mr. Serkin and Ms. Hsu again before long. This was really first-rate music-making.
Review by Lana Robotewskyj
The Salon Piano Series at Farley's House of Pianos is nothing short of spectacular. Tim and Renee Farley are the perfect hosts to these intimate musical settings, which honor the past traditions and spirit of the Parisians from the 19th Century. These performances are truly a unique opportunity to hear international artists in a cozy setting, performing on Tim’s very rare 1914 Mason and Hamlin, which Tim has beautifully restored. You may or may not know, Tim has rebuilt my 9 ft Mason and Hamlin and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
Last night, I had the honor to not only listen to Peter Serkin and Julia Hsu perform various four-hand pieces (including the likes of Mozart, Brahms, Schubert, Bizet, and Schumann), I participated in dialogue with Peter regarding The Hungarian Dances by Brahms afterwards. Hearing the piano sing and dance through cadences of Sturm und Drang and light and sun, simply makes for a lovely evening. Peter and Julia maintained the focus of the audience throughout the course of the night with their elegance and perfect balance of musicianship. Simply put, their playing was exquisite. It is not unusual to meet and speak with the performers after the concerts, as Tim and Renee invite all participants to join in a generous reception of wine and cheese, breads and spreads, and delightful sweets.
The Salon Piano Series brings together a wide variety of people: students, artists, intellectuals, and hobbyists, all of whom have something in common: a passion for piano music and an appreciation for the artists who travel a distance to share. For those of you who know me well, music and food are my two obsessions, and--coupled with a night of quality, like minded souls-- you have a perfect evening of utmost contentment. This is the fourth concert I’ve attended, and I can’t say enough about the magical experience I personally witness right here in Madison. One does not need to go to Europe to hear the likes of their masters. They come to Madison.
Review by Don Smith
Madison was fortunate to have an example of an almost lost art this past Saturday when Farley's House of Pianos hosted a recital of music for piano four hands presented by Peter Serkin and Julia Hsu. The delicate interplay of the two performers was brought to the fore in music of Schumann, Bizet, Mozart, Schubert and Brahms. An interesting rarity opened the program: a selection of six Etudes for Pedal Piano of Robert Schumann. The pedal piano in these pieces was far removed from a practice instrument for organists; Schumann treated the listener to true songs without words. The three short Bizet pieces were a gentle bit of pianistic fluff the two players danced through before turning to larger works of Mozart and Schubert. The interplay between the two performers was brought to a climax in the two Schubert pieces which were written in the last year of his life. It was amazing to hear the gentleness of Ms. Hsu's touch on filigree work in both Mozart and Schubert, a sensitivity that was fully supported by Mr. Serkin's strongly presented lower part. To hear the two pianists develop the intricate lines and then dramatically insert fortes of strength as well as sensitivity was surely a highpoint of this listener's experience! Musicologist John Reed writes that this music (Schubert) calls out for orchestral expression. But Ms. Hsu and Mr. Serkin brought from the beautifully restored 1914 Mason & Hamlin a rich yet rarely heard sensitivity. The recital closed with five Hungarian Dances of Brahms that were not some of those usually heard. In all, it was an evening to be treasured and one can only reflect that Bard College is indeed fortunate to have these two wonderful performers on their staff! Let's hope that Farley's can lure Hsu and Serkin back to Madison soon.
Varshavski-Shapiro Piano Duo
November 2, 2014
Watch a video of the Varshavski-Shapiro Piano Duo performance
Diana and I would like to THANK YOU for a unique opportunity to perform at Farley's House of Pianos. We have performed at Farley's House of Pianos three times and each one of them gave us an enormous pleasure of being part of Art that you produce.
Tim, you are truly an artist of pianos. You know not only a structure and history of the instrument but also you "FEEL" pianos. You feel their different colors and characters. After your renovation the pianos start "talking" and become better every year.
Renee, your vision of EVERY little detail in the Farley's House of Pianos is exclusive. Your students and audience become big part of the Farley's family. You educate people and give them ideas to think very gently and kindly about them. You have a special gift to talk to people and they want to come back.
Diana and I LOVE to come to Farley's House of Pianos and perform there. We always know that we would have the BEST pianos in the BEST conditions and the MOST appreciative audience. Renee and Tim, THANK YOU for everything that you do!!!
Diana and Stanislava.
Varshavski-Shapiro Piano Duo.
Dick Hyman Jazz Clinic and Concert
Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st, 2014
Watch a video of Dick Hyman's performance
Review by Diedre Buckley, Doctor of Musical Arts
Dick Hyman's solo performance was a tour de force of jazz piano styles, from the earliest ragtime, blues, boogie-woogie and stride through bebop to modern jazz piano stylings. A jazz pianist who played with Charlie Parker and a scholar of his instrument, Mr. Hyman has thoroughly synthesized this history into his playing. Starting with the opening tune ("Sweet Georgia Brown"), Mr. Hyman demonstrated that he can move seamlessly through these styles within a single, extended improvisation, all while presenting a clear musical statement and without sounding clichéd. His selection of repertoire was equally broad, relying heavily on jazz standards from Thelonious Monk compositions to "Cherokee" and including a Brazilian version of "Maple Leaf Rag." He also included two theme songs from his own long career: one from the game show "Beat the Clock" (Mr. Hyman was the studio organist for a time) and the other from the Woody Allen film "Purple Rose of Cairo" (his own composition). At every turn Mr. Hyman was fluent and imaginative, with a perfect instinct for proportion: while some tunes were given compact presentations, others were lengthy excursions of ten minutes or more. Either way, Mr. Hyman always kept his listener engaged and his musical thoughts concise. Dick Hyman's performance was a history lesson in concert form and a joyful celebration of jazz piano in all its magnificent diversity.
Review by Gary Alderman
The Saturday evening workshop was a unique experience. Mr. Hyman started by demonstrating the historical evolution of jazz piano with emphasis on style. This included early styles such as rag time, stride, boogie woogie and swing. He ended with Bebop and then talked about the influence of Bill Evans on modern/current style.
His critique of three local piano players (solo and with bass and drums) was the highlight of the evening. He was able to enlighten not only the musicians but everyone in the audience to many fine points. These included piano dynamics, use and deployment of the left hand in both combo and solo playing. Furthermore he discussed and demonstrated sounds of various instruments one might hear re notes played by the right hand. The evening was a great success as each piano player learned things that may have taken them many years to a lifetime to figure out or realize! The audience learned additional aspects of listening to jazz based on the nature and variety of comments and observations by the master, Dick Hyman.
The Sunday afternoon concert was attended by a full house. The studio was filled with warm and beautiful sounds of the 100-year-old Mason & Hamlin concert grand piano restored by Tim Farley. Mr. Hyman mentioned more than once that this is one of the best pianos he has ever played!
He entertained the audience with familiar standard tunes as well as (his versions) of three Thelonious Monk compositions. He talked a little bit about his career including the years he played organ on the TV show "Beat The Clock" an then proceeded to play the theme song for the aforementioned show. He served as composer/arranger/conductor/pianist for a number of Woody Allen films and played the theme from the movie Purple Rose Of Cairo. He ended with an exhilarating performance of Billy Strayhorns's Take The A Train. It is interesting to note that he incorporated several of the styles presented the previous evening within the performance of this composition.
The packed audience was thrilled with the entire performance. Everyone was thankful and very pleased that Farley's was able to present one of the greatest living jazz piano players to our community.
Review by Chuck Evans
I had the pleasure of hearing Dick Hyman in concert and he was in great form. He's very genial and always announces what he is about to play. His performance takes you on a magical trip through jazz standards, in his personal style, along with the styles of other well-known jazz pianists, such as Fats Waller, Oscar Peterson, and Thelonious Monk. Hyman's mastery of the keyboard is stunning. His descending complex runs really surprised me. Most players rarely use descending fills of such harmonic complexity. He inspired me to practice descending fast passages with both hands. I also noticed his pedaling. He used the middle pedal often and with great effect, employing it nearly as often as the right sustain pedal. That's a technique seldom used in jazz piano. Dick was very generous with his knowledge, and had some witty observations about the world of music and musicians. Dick Hyman now has me as an ardent fan. One word sums up his performance: WOW!
Ryan McCullough Performing the Last Three Beethoven Piano Sonatas
Saturday, April 26th, 2014 • See Program
Watch a video of Ryan McCullough's performance
Review by Jess Anderson
A full house was on hand Saturday evening at Farley's House of Pianos for a particularly demanding, intensely rewarding recital by pianist Ryan McCullough. The program comprised the last three sonatas of Beethoven: No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109; No. 31 in A-Flat Major, Op. 110; and after intermission, No. 32 in C Minor, Op. 111.
Probably a number of young virtuoso pianists could manage such a program technically, but it seems quite unlikely that more than a very few might approach the level of musical mastery and intensity offered in this instance. Different as they are, the three works have a number of features in common: many very dense, very fast, loud passages alternating -- sometimes abruptly -- with slow, achingly lyrical, finely shaded, delicately soft sections. Despite the similarities of overall pianistic style, each of the sonatas is a world unto itself, and this too was borne out by McCullough's lucid performances.
I've heard these sonatas again and again in live concerts over a span of more than 60 years (though never before all on the same program, however), played by legendary pianists -- Myra Hess, Rudolf Serkin, Claudio Arrau, and others. Having heard Ryan McCullough play John Harbison's very demanding Piano Sonata No. 2 at the Token Creek Festival four years ago, I was already well aware that he was a force to be reckoned with. But to be candid, I wasn't quite sure, even so, how this event would measure up. Among pianists, after all, the late Beethoven sonatas tend to acquire a quasi-religious mystique.
I realize now I need not have been at all concerned. The Salon Piano Series, which sponsored this event, can quite justifiably be proud of this offering. Bravos all around.
Frank Glazer
August 4th, 2013
Excerpt of Review by Greg Hettmansberger, Madison Magazine's Classically Speaking Blog
The next time I hear a teenaged prodigy toss off a concerto like it's a warm-up exercise, it won't be the last. But hearing Frank Glazer at the piano Sunday afternoon at Farley's House of Pianos was the first, and perhaps, only time that I will experience a viable artist who is 98 years young.
Read the full review
