Polina Shifrina & Iryna Ilnytska House Concert Exwick Old Post Office Friday 24 May 2019

Piano: Polina Shifrina
Mezzo Soprano: Iryna Ilnytska

The guests arrive at an intriguing venue
Exwick Old Post Office

Building on the success of their first two sell-out house concerts, Polina Shifrina and Iryna Ilnytska joined forces again on Friday 24 May for another hour of music for piano and mezzo soprano voice. This time the featured artist was the early twentieth century Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov.

Iryna opened the recital with her now famous signature piece, "Lilacs", the fifth of Rachmaninov's 12 Romances, Opus 21. As Iryna explained, he dedicated the music to a mysterious Mme Fekle Rousseau, who referred to herself at 'The White Lilac Lady' and sent fresh lilacs to all Sergei's performances. She hoped he would return to Russia, which sadly he did not.

Sergei Rachmaninov & Natalia Satina

Iryna also sang "The Dream", fifth of Rachmaninov's 6 Romances, Opus 38. As Iryna pointed out not at all simple to perform, but very restful for the listener. The dream was that he might one day return to Russia and the dear friends of his youth, in particular the three Skalon sisters Natalia, Lyudmila and Vera to whom he dedicated his dream - friends of Natalia Satina who married Sergei in May 1902.

With Polina's emotive accompaniment on the piano, Iryna's rich operatic voice was a dream in the intimate setting of Polina's living room - with its own built in stage. There was also an opportunity to enjoy Polina's solo piano playing, from Rachmaninov's 6 Musical Moments, Opus 16. A beautiful and pleasing moment indeed.

Alexander Pushkin

(portrait by Vasili Tropinin)

The poem "Morning" by Mariya Yanova was the second of Rachmaninov's 6 Songs, Opus 4. The opening section based on the four syllable theme "Люблю тебя!" (I love you!) was in a feminine mood representing dawn, while the later words were more masculine in tone, representing the day. An arresting and delightful contrast.

Polina had more solo piano music too, Prelude No 12 in G sharp minor, Opus 32. This sparkling composition featured the tinkling of the treble keys reminiscent of Ravel's "Jeux d'Eau" which Polina played at the first house concert. This delicate and thoughtful piece was a lively but restful interlude.

Iryna especially wanted to include Alexander Pushkin's "Do not Sing my Beauty" (Your Sad Songs of Georgia), dedicated to one of Mikhail Glinka's operatic students.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

With Polina's portentous introduction Iryna's song of yearning for a far off land reminded us of the deep sadness of Rachmaninov's own exile from his homeland. How effectively Iryna evokes the very deepest emotions in song!

Polina also included piano music by Rachmaninov's predecessor and inspiration, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

"Dumka" (Little Thought) is one of many compositions by various composers in a folk style known as 'dumky'. Simple but affecting, the little tune was cleverly woven by Polina and a very intriguing little thought it was.

Iryna's most moving performance was a fragment from 'Nuits' by Alfred the Musset (1835). Translated in advance by Iryna, the song briefly, but powerfully exposes the devastating emotional turmoil of Alfred's nights of isolation and loneliness.

Alfred de Musset

(portrait by Faustin Besson)

To lighten the mood and introduce the music which will feature in the next house concert, Polina introduced a last song by Franz Schubert, which was later reset by Franz Liszt. Based on Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake", Ellen's Third Song, opens with the words of the Catholic prayer "Ave Maria". How very different from the music up to that point in the concert. The next (and sadly last) concert in this series will be dedicated to works by those two giants of the Romantic period - Schubert and Liszt!

Once again Polina and Iryna created a very special musical world for an hour. They provided a wealth of pleasure and emotional diversity for their devoted audience. These house concerts are very special, full of extraordinary music spectacularly performed. Many thanks to Iryna and Polina for all their work - and not forgetting Polina's husband Eros who provides food and his very special mojitos and piña coladas (alcoholic or non-alcholic) which make the concerts into a super party for everyone.

The Schubert and Liszt recital will be on Saturday 22 June - still at 6pm and still in Exwick Old Post Office. A musical treat not to be missed!

House Concerts at EX4 2AA
Exwick Post Office
Saturday 22 June 6pm
SCHUBERT & LISZT
Piano: Polina Shifrina
Mezzo Soprano: Iryna Ilnytska
Tickets: £10
(includes buffet & drinks)
Booking: 07570 040173
polina.shifrina@googlemail.com