I recently had the privilege of performing in a masterclass (more below) of Ann Schein, renowned pianist and teacher.
Ms. Schein’s mini-residency in the Harrisburg area also included two other wonderful performances, sponsored by Market Square Concerts under the direction of Peter Sirotin and Ya-Ting Chang in collaboration with the Harrisburg Symphony under the direction of Maestro Stuart Malina.
The first event was weekend performances of the Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Harrisburg Symphony, for sold out crowds. I was especially impressed by the fluidity of each phrase, and how Ms. Schein seamlessly connected each musical idea to the next, gracefully leading the audience through the piece. In the second movement, Ms. Schein remained relaxed yet completely in control of the challenging shaping and delicate expressions. It was clear that Ms. Schein had studied this monumental work in great depth, and understood the intentions of the composer. I was especially thrilled to hear such a passionate performance from a leading Chopin interpreter and pupil of Arthur Rubinstein.
Ms. Schein concluded the residency with a stunning solo recital including works by Beethoven, Ravel, Debussy, Liszt, and Chopin. Even with a program of such stylistic and textural diversity, Ms. Schein met each piece with exceptional confidence and vitality, leaving the audience in awe.
Ms. Schein also blessed the community with such willingness to share her deep knowledge of music and history in one of the most enriching events – the masterclass. Two other students from the area and I performed works by Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Brahms. Even with limited time, the masterclass proved to be one of the most informative classes I have witnessed. After each performance, Ms. Schein would ask questions pertaining to the student’s individual ideas. We discussed our perceptions of the music and knowledge of the composers, as well as our personal thoughts of the emotional weight of each piece. In this way, Ms. Schein was quickly able to assess the thought process and knowledge base of each student.
The discussion continued into the class, as Ms. Schein would share her deep knowledge of the composers’ lives, and how internal and external factors influenced their musical decisions. For example, one girl performed the Carnaval Op. 9 by Robert Schumann. I was not overly familiar with the piece, that is, until Ms. Schein took the stage. Ms. Schein discussed Schumann’s different musical personas, and how each characteristic within the score represents a different side of Schumann. Ms. Schein proceeded to explore Schumann’s personal life including his father’s lack of empathy towards Schumann’s music career and love of Clara. Ms. Schein even explained the origin of Robert and Clara’s connection, as Robert had studied with Clara’s father, after having been impressed by one of Clara’s performances. I also learned the story of Clara Schumann’s 16th birthday that Robert Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Brahms all attended! I suddenly had a much greater appreciation for these great composers and felt a revived connection to their lives.
Ms. Schein even related music to different art forms. We uncovered literary and biblical influence in the score, and connected time signatures and meters to types of dances and cultures like that of the Polish Polonaise! It was impossible not enjoy learning in the presence of such a warm-hearted and sincere individual.
Ann Schein was an inspiration to every musician, audience member, and music lover in general. I am so refreshed to know that Ms. Schein has been sharing her knowledge so passionately and enthusiastically with the world, through performances and teaching, and plans to continue to do so for many years to come. I very much look forward to learning from Ms. Schein again when I attend the Aspen Music Festival this summer!
