10 Sorrowful Songs and a Crane

I enjoyed the community atmosphere at the CMC on Capp St. for this 50 minute recital of songs in Russian & Armenian by Borodin, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich & Komitas (Gomidas). Just before the start, there was a sudden rush of attendees, requiring the organizers to set up more chairs. The audience of 70 or so included several children. As advertised, the selections were all a bit slow & sad, & all had a strong folk song feeling to them. I especially liked the one Tchaikovsky song on the program, "I Bless You, Forests."

Before the concert, a laptop was sitting on the edge of the stage, streaming video of the Giants v Phillies game. Even during the music, it was clear that people were checking the game on their electronic devices. In a pause between songs, someone in the audience stood up & announced that the Giants had won the pennant, causing laughter & additional applause.

After the recital, there was a reception, & people lined up for some unusually fine-looking finger food & sparkling wine. My concert companion & I then had to make our way down several blocks of Mission, surrounded by blaring car horns & boisterous merriment in the streets.

§ 10 Sorrowful Songs and a Crane
John Smalley, baritone
Janis Mercer, piano

Capp Street Concert Hall
Saturday, October 23, 2010
8:00 pm