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Review: Classical music lives 'Ahn'!
By Randah Griffiths
November 13, 2005 | It was with a
twinge of uncertainty that I accepted a friend's invitation
to attend the Ahn Trio concert recently at the Ellen
Eccles Theatre. I'd heard of the trio before and all
I knew was that they performed classical music.
The thought of classical music usually causes my brain
to turn to comatose mode. I'm snoozing within five minutes
of turning on Bach or Beethoven. Nonetheless, I accepted
the invitation, deciding that maybe this would broaden
my musical outlook and teach me to appreciate something
new.
As sisters Maria, Angella and Lucia entered the stage
in front of a packed house, I could tell right away
this wasn't your grandpa's classical music. These musicians
are young, vibrant and stylish. My attention was perked.
I was excited to hear what these sisters had to offer.
I was delighted to discover that the Ahn Trio isn't
boring at all, but rather entertaining. Their musical
renditions can only be described as alternative-classical.
Categorized in their own genre, these sisters offer
a unique view of music.
Angella toting a violin, Maria a cello and Lucia at
the piano, lulled the audience into a musical trance.
As they played "Swing Shift," written by Kenji Bunch,
I was taken on a journey of New York City in the middle
of the night. The city sounds of a jazz club, the subway
and Central Park brought me back to New York. I could
feel the grimy city air, smell the musky tunnels of
the train stations and taste the sweet aroma of the
city that never sleeps. How amazing that three instruments
and the talent of three sisters can trigger so many
memories.
All Julliard graduates, the trio has a remarkable
way of bringing classical music to life, especially
for younger listeners. Their songs tell stories. The
passion with which these musicians play is felt through
each note.
I have absolutely no musical ability. In fact, my
piano teacher begged my mom to make me drop her class
because she felt I was a waste of her time and my parents'
money. Seriously. So maybe I am not a fair judge of
musical performances. But I think my complete lack of
musical talent made me value their flawless performance
even more. They looked like they were genuinely enjoying
what they were doing. As a piano lesson drop-out, I
cannot fathom delighting in playing music. It was a
chore for me everyday as my mom forced me to practice.
She finally gave up.
Attending the Ahn Trio concert made me wish I had
stick with it as a kid. The Ahn sisters flowed through
each note with elegance and ease. They made musical
instruments seem glamorous, as each piece they performed
was more awe-inspiring than the previous.
My attitude changed after the Ahn Trio Concert. Yes,
classical music can be entertaining. I didn't even fall
asleep during the performance. Though I think my friend
did. His loss. I enjoyed their inspired alternative-classical
renditions. I would even download their songs onto my
i-Pod! Classical music lives ahn through the Ahn Trio.
NW
MS |
