Ethan McGrath
Pianist, composer, arranger Ethan McGrath performed not only music of the master composers, but included several of his own compositions before a full-house at Brainerd Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoon.
"I've never heard any other keyboard artist play with such sensitive expression before, said church host, Tom Hammett. "He is a true virtuoso artist, and at age 26, the whole world and his entire career lie before him. The piano masters would have been greatly satisfied with McGrath's interpretation and execution of each work. His fingers glided through the Mozart as quicksilver.
Ester Ferraz's singing of McGrath's setting of 'Der Her is mein Hirte' was angelic. Robby Raney, baritone, handsomely brought his rich and vibrant sound to another McGrath composition, 'Lord of the Boundless Curves of Space.'
Two piano duets were featured with guest pianists Isaac Hinchman and Roy Treiyer. In each duet, the 88 keys were approached with 20 of the most talented fingers in the city!"
Other familiar piano repertory included Bach's Aria from Goldberg Variations, Debussy's Arabesque No. 1 in A Major, Rachmaninoff's Preludes in C-Sharp Minor, and Prelude in E-flat Major. The concert concluded with a flamboyant performance of Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat, Op. 53.
The appreciative audience rewarded each selection with warm, enthusiastic and extended applause. The final selection was met with a thunderous standing ovation, 2 curtain calls and an encore of McGrath's own 'Nocturne.'