Noontime Concert

"San Francisco's Musical Lunch Break"
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 12:30pm
Old St. Mary's Cathedral

Samsun van Loon, Cello
Michael Tan, Piano

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata in F Major, Op. 5, No. 1
Felix Mendelssohn: Sonata in D Major, Op. 58

This lunchtime recital at Old St. Mary's had a nice shape, the Mendelssohn being the major work after the shorter & breezier Beethoven Sonata. I liked the 3rd movement Adagio of the Mendelssohn, which is like a little operatic monologue for the cello. Both musicians are young & have studied at the SF Conservatory. I enjoyed pianist Michael Tan's juicy playing, which is fluid & plush. With long hair that he occasionally has to push back from his face, he looks like a rock star pianist.

I continue to notice that the noontime audiences are very appreciative & like to give standing ovations. Next week's concert features pianist Daniel Glover performing Chopin, fitting for this 200th anniversary year of the great composer.