“I make it harder when I just focus on the notes – when I’m not thinking musically,” said Andrew Tyson. Ideas for adding subtle nuances, elegance and color to each composition beyond the notes was advice repeated throughout the master class led by award-winning pianist Andrew Tyson on Thursday, February 15. Seton Hill University students each performed a piece and Mr. Tyson lent his expert advice often going through the music often note by note. “Figure out your musical intention and key in on phrasing, stay loose… piano phrasing is like language – it’s all about the subtle differences.”  He emphasized interpretation and being creative in their playing. “If you have an idea exaggerate it, make it sound obvious…and executing that idea is more important than the idea itself.” Mr. Tyson spent two hours working with the students and then wrapped up the evening with a performance of Scarlatti. The master class is part of the WSO’s educational outreach in the community and was sponsored by Seton Hill University Music Department and the Community Arts Program. Mr. Tyson performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the WSO on February 17.

Program

Ballade Johann Burgmuller -Ananya Jadia

Nocturne in Bb minor, Op.9, No.1 Frederic Chopin – Mitchell Taylor

Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op.26 Robert Schumann – Mina Shenouda

Suite Bergamasque Claude Debussy – Demi Schwartz

Cancion y Danza No. 5 Federico Mompou – Bridget Deveney