Pianist Thomas Schultz, who performed in a Sunday afternoon recital at the Bronson Piano Studio in the Carmel Highlands, is a sensitive and lyrical pianist who emphasizes that the piano sounds best when it does not sound like the percussive instrument that it is. By focusing on the gentle sweet sounds that the piano can create when played lovingly and softly, the pianist, who truly has a vast orchestral palette of sounds (but mostly used his velvet touch), made this recital very enjoyable.
He sounded at his best in the second half of the program, which consisted entirely of the great B-flat Major Sonata, D. 960, by Franz Schubert. This monumental work in four movements was like a wondrous story that in Schultz’s hands unfolded with a smooth fluidity that carried the listener along through the ethereal first movement, to the sad second movement, to the happy scherzo third movement, and on to the zippy, almost Beethoven-like, last movement. There were no encores.
The first half of the program consisted of two contemporary works which the pianist played most sympathetically. First he played the third of “Four Pieces for Piano” by Frederic Rzewski followed by “Variations” by Hyo-shin Na. The Rzewski piece was atmospheric with some very pianistic effects. A few of the exotic harmonies reminded me of Stravinsky’s Petrouchka. Some of the music was enchanting, and some was discordant — but all of it was compelling.
The “Variations” by Na had a driving rhythm and occasionally a more feminine quality to it, which is understandable since the composer is the pianist’s wife. There were moments of magic in this piece, reminding me of what Brahms told Arthur Abell, author of ”Talks with Great Composers,” that before composing anything, he would attune himself to the Divine. Brahms said, “When I feel the urge [to compose] I begin by appealing directly to my maker…after I have formulated my desire and resolve in regard to what I want — namely, to be inspired so that I can compose something that will uplift and benefit humanity — something of permanent value.”
This was a most enjoyable recital on a delightful sunny afternoon!
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