Review: Vlad Dyszel New Classical Music at Phantom Rose
Written by Enniv Zarf
Vlad has been long time friend of mine here in Second Life. Recently he hasn’t been on much in Second Life because he has been in Russia continuing his studies in Music Composition.
Finally though after a long awaited time, he’s finally back with two new piano works and one new string work fresh off the press.
And of course being a student, Vlad is unable to hire a full orchestra to perform his string works or his piano works, so we are left to listen to a MIDI rendition of his music. I hope one day he will be able to get some fellow musician friends to help him record some of his music and maybe even perform live in Second Life.
The music of Vlad Dyszel
Phantom Rose Composer in Residence
Sunday, November 23, 2008
PROGRAM
* Piano Sonata in f minor
* “Dans Mon Ame” for piano
* Serenade for Strings in Bb Major
– Movement I – Allegro Moderato
– Movement II – Lento Cantabile – Andantino
– Movement III -Scherzo. Molto Allegro
– Movement IV – Finale. Allegro Fuoco con Molto Passione
Note from the composer: I’d like to dedicate this concert to J.L.O, the person who means more to me than they’ll ever know, and has been a light and inspiration to me and my music, especially that of the final piece, someone I will never forget, and when you come back…I will greet you with open arms as though you never left.
There were three pieces performed but each one was a hearty and very substantial piece of work that was quite the work out for the ears. I am just found of new music and being able to enjoy the works of up and coming new composers especially here in Second Life.
The first work was a Piano Sonata. Vlad has always been a believer in writing accessible music for the audience to understand, but at the same time to continue explore the boundaries of such styles. By most definitions Vlad is a neo-classical composer with added contrasting and often times dissonance chords to enhance the emotional impact of the works. Many of such chords also added to the quirkiness of the piece.
There were also some influences of Russian music, especially that of the classic late romantic music of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov or whoever he may be thinking. I originally thought it was his semester in Russia that caused it, but then I was informed that they were composed before this semester. So I guess he’s just got a head start
The work did flow from top to bottom well and worked fluidly. Though it was a MIDI performance, but it is obvious that Vlad have spent a great deal of time making certain that such MIDI renditions sound the best it possibly could.
The Sonata was a substantial work that lasted about 15 minutes or so long. I lost track of the precise timing of the piece but it was a multi-movement work and the different movements did offer contrasting elements that were diverse enough but still in line with each other to keep the coherency of the work.
However I would have to say there were a few moments in the works where the harmonies were a bit too odd and sudden that just didn’t feel it truly belonged in the piece. But those were rare moments and passed by quickly enough to not be overtly distracting.
The second work was that of a shorter but much more dramatic piano work. I thought this was the best of the three works offered in today’s concert. It was dynamic and explosive, but yet kept a very strong aura of drama and seriousness. But it was short and fleeting, making me almost yearning for a bit more. It was as if it was a tease for the audience of something much bigger to come. I hope I will be able to hear more of this aspect of Vlad’s music in the future.
Finally he played his string Serenade which is a multi-movement works. He was having technical issues with crashing during the concert which caused him to restart.
According to Vlad at the concert, this piece was started in April this year and finished in August, though the precise date has now alluded him. The final movement was completely composed in a period of three days.
The whole work is neo-romantic in nature. It was very reminisque of Samuel Barber String Adagio. But of course it still has a long way to go to be on that same level. But it has great moments in the works. There were some fantastic pizzacato passages that I thought were wonderful and just imagining what a real string orchestra would sound.
The unfortunate part of the performance is that we had to listen to MIDI strings. So the entire time I am just imagining what a real orchestra could do with the nuances of this work. It is a beautiful piece of work and given the right group of musicians, could be a very lovely piece of work.
And as always Vlad is very structured as a composer and his form is very clear. He presented very clearly defined sections of his work. His work is definitely accessible and easy to follow along. But I do wish that in his serenade that he would explore more exotic and far out harmonic languages. But this was composed before his studies abroad, and comparatively speaking his two piano works were definitely riskier but still rewarding then his Serenade.
All in all Vlad is a wonderful contribution to the diverse world of Classical Music in Second Life. I hope to really hear more of his works, and perhaps hear some of the other classical pianist in Second Life pick up some of his piano works and perform them live! Heck, I may even consider doing that myself too!!!
The audience did love the performance and it was definitely an experience that was enjoyable. I hope everyone will have the opportunity in the future to explore new music. I personally believe that in order for Classical Music to flourish, we have to put new music at the forefront of the fight. We have to keep it alive by growing and nurturing new talents. Vlad is certainly worthy of our support!
Until next time…
…PLAY ON…
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