Night Braaten, master of classical music, was here

For Gier Henning Braaten, world renouned Norwegian pianist the event was similar to preparing a meal. “When I compose a program, I sometimes feel like a chef. I have to split it into appetizer, main course and dessert. But in tonight’s Wednesday 17/2/2010 program there is more than one chef and a variety of appetizers, […]

For Gier Henning Braaten, world renouned Norwegian pianist the event was similar to preparing a meal. “When I compose a program, I sometimes feel like a chef. I have to split it into appetizer, main course and dessert. But in tonight’s Wednesday 17/2/2010 program there is more than one chef and a variety of appetizers, main dishes and desserts for you all to savour for a long time to come,” he said.

Braaten’s Bach Organ Prelude and Fugue in a minor proved to be a mouth watering appetizer as guests began to sit up and settle into the cosy atmosphere. There was also the performance of Christe Eleison to mark the 260th death anniversary of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach by Egbuchiem Andrew and Kingsley Idegun. Listening to them, it suddenly broughtto mind the realisation that it was Ash Wednesday and there couldn’t have been a better choice to mark the day.

Adding to these performances, were Malcom Arnold’s Andantino and furiuoso by Ohue Osmond with the Clarinet. The beat by beat rhythm of the clarinet guided by the gentle taps of Braatens, 65, ace’s fingers on the keyboard provoked some lip smacking and applauses in acknowledgment of the satisfactory taste of this piece in the same manner Ugwu Nonso’ tenor performance did.

Braaten’s fingers lit up the hall, as he once again served his piano solos of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique and Allegro molto E Con Brio, amongst others. He crowned this with Ekitisonic by Ogunboye which he performed last year.

Performing for the third time in Nigeria but his second in Abuja, Braaten expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude at being able to perform before an even larger audience whom by their responses to the pieces had obviously enjoyed the evening.

According to the Idegun, Operations and Project Manager of the Philharmonic Company, which in the last three years has been on the forefront of creating a better awareness and appreciation on classical music in Nigeria, this was an opportunity to catch young enthusiasts. “We have toured schools in different states along with Mr. Braaten to re-orient pupils and those who intend to take classical music as a life time career. This will go a long way in reducing unemployment.”

The occasion tagged ‘A piano recital concert’ was packaged by the Philharmonics Company, with the Norwegian embassy in Abuja and the Transcorp Hilton.