Laredo, Texas. Last evening, June 8th’ 08.

Last evening we enjoyed a piano recital at the beautiful Mann residence.  Mrs. Mann graciously agreed to host the recital making available her Sauter Amadeus Edition Delta.  Maestro Sergio Pena of Nuevo-Laredo, Mexico, presented a didactic program introducing the audience to the intricacies of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations.  These are the only variations Bach ever wrote as he had thought that the variation format of composition was unrewarding.  But when called upon to write them, he transformed the format in a way no other composer has since dared to attempt.

Indeed few pianists today present the Goldberg Variations to a live audience.  This is true to such an extent that Dr. Ray Keck, president of Texas A & M International University, did a double-take when his receptionist mentioned the calendar appointment to him and asked her, “Did you say The Goldberg Variations?”  She called back to confirm, and we assured her that yes, indeed, the Goldberg Variations would be presented in their entirety.

Maestro Pena presented the variations in sets of ten by memory, pausing to introduce interesting historical anecdotes related to the composition and to discuss interpretational differences between the harpsichord and the piano demonstrating how those differences would sound.  He drew exquisite pianissimos and joyous fortissimos from the responsive instrument.  He demonstrated how the piano afforded the opportunity to dynamically layer the various voices in the canons and how to bring out the singing-line in the variations.

We relaxed as the engrossing intricacies of Bach’s superlative music washed over us while a distant thunderstorm softly rumbled and a light rain cleared the air.  To hear the Goldberg Variations presented live is an experience that is difficult to adequately express.  It takes you to a rare meditative state.  Dr. Keck requested that we hear variation 24 again commenting how Bach had achieved there what the impressionists had only dreamed of achieving.

Maestro Pena closed the concert with the Chopin E flat Major Nocturne with a very delicate pianissimo melody over even softer harp-like harmonies.  The Nocturne finished on a triumphant forte chord. 

The artist and audience alike commented on how wonderful the instrument sounded.  A perfect tuning and the artist’s touch displayed the Sauter lush-singing-tone to great advantage.  The presence of Sauter Pianos in Laredo has opened up new venues for great music-making.

Notes:  Mr. Andrew Anderson is the owner of Artisan Pianos and the Authorized Sauter Dealer for San Antonio, Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.

Photo 1. : Sauter Model Amadeus 6′1”, Mrs. Mann, Sauter Owner, Mr. Strmec - Vice President Sauter US Operations,  Photo 2.: Enthusiastic music connoisseurs enjoying an evening at the Mann Mansion