On Sunday April 30th the Durham Cathedral Choir Association hosted a piano recital by David Earl, with music by Beethoven, Schuman, Tchaikovsky and Mr. Earl's own compositions. It was held in the Priory Hall, with donations in aid of music in the Cathedral.
After an introduction from the Acting Dean, Michael Hampel, Mr. Earl opened the recital with Beethoven's ever popular Moonlight Sonata. But first, a quick note about David Earl. Born and raised in
South Africa, where he broadcast a piano recital at age 16 and made his professional concerto debut at 17. He emigrated to England two years later and has since spent over 50 years composing, performing and teaching in the U.K. and is a long time resident of Cambridge.
Back to the recital, and his opening piece of Moonlight Sonata, and here's where it got personal! As he gently eased into the music and the mood, a shiver ran up my spine, as the very clear memory of my father playing the same, 70+ years ago back in Montreal, Canada, imprinted in my recollection! What a treasured moment. The sublime feel of the Sonata was short lived as Mr. Earl proceeded with the Allegretto and Presto agitato, both very lively and soaring!
After Beethoven, the first half of the recital consisted of the eight pieces of Robert Schumann's Opus 12, which 'invite the imagination of the pianist and listener to roam freely, responding to the emotions expressed, the varying moods portrayed' (D. Earl).
After the interval, Mr. Earl played his own composition, Scenes from a South African Childhood. There are nine pieces and we were supplied with a program guide by the composer of the background to each piece, which magnified our appreciation of the music. He finished the recital with 'Theme and Variations' Tchaikovsky Suite No. 3.
This recital by David Earl underscores the value of the Cathedral Music experience, which includes a wide variety that is not readily available in all parts of the U.K. to different audiences. Everyone enjoyed Mr. Earl's performance, especially this author and his wife. A special Thank You to the Durham Cathedral Choir Association for their connection with Mr. Earl and their coordination of this event.