Piano

This performance was located in our very own Baruch Performing Arts Center which was way downstairs. We went down a long winding staircase that wrapped around the elevator before arriving to a fairly small theater. The theater features lecture hall style seats with small folding desks and wooden structures for better acoustics and style.

The BPAC’s managing director, Ted Altschuler, walked onstage and introduced the performer for the night. The faulty microphone created for a lot of laughter. He ended up speaking without the microphone and the audience applauded.

Sara Buechner appeared before the audience in a stunning red dress and black cardigan. She wore her hair in a delicate bob. Standing in front of the microphone, she introduced herself and the pieces of music she was to perform. Buechner reminded everyone of piano performance etiquette: do not applaud until the pianist stands.

The first was Mozart’s Fantasy and Sonata in C minor. She emphasized the powerful notes through small projections caused by her feet that threw her head back. Buechner’s fingers clenched in tension to create claws as she slammed each chord. It was an authoritative piece; she commanded the audience and put each member under a spell with her movement.

The next piece was by Chopin, Introduction and Rondo in E flat major op. 16. It was much more fluid compared to Mozart’s. Once again, Buechner’s performance left the audience spellbound. We were captivated by her dominating the piano and skillfully showcasing her expertise of the instrument.

The third piece was Arensky’s Four Salon Pieces. I was not really into it, and do not remember it that clearly. It was long.

The finale was the Second Rhapsody by Gershwin which was a Solo Piano arrangement by Buechner. This was unique because she was allowed to do her own take on the ending of the piece.

Buechner announced her contract didn’t allow for an encore performance. She continued to tell a hilarious story about her stay with a Japanese woman during her travels in Japan. Her last piece was my absolute favorite. It was very easy to follow and get into. The others were serious but this one was unique. To me, it was the right combination of childish and posh. When I closed my eyes, I could see twinkling lights and just pure happiness. I could bop to the melody and I felt at piece. I looked over and saw my friends enjoying it, too. When Buechner’s night came to a finish, I applauded loudly. It was by far the loudest my hands had been that night. I left the theater and walked to the train station with Catherine in a joyous mood.