root Hot and humid Singapore may not have any real seasons to boast of, but Piano Ensemble’s latest concert certainly brought the tranquillity of a cloudy autumn evening to us. Tickling the Ivories Autumn 2024 took place on 24 October, presenting a 15-song repertoire that ranged from elegant classical music to modern pop hits. The dynamic performances were elevated by the talents of performers on guitars and vocals at times, adding a fascinating depth to the beautiful lightness of the piano. I’ve always believed that music can transport you to different worlds, and Tickling the Ivories proved this perfectly, blessing our ears with an evening of enchanting melodies.
(all photos by Angelica)
As I stepped into Nanyang Auditorium, I was greeted with the sight of an autumnal wonderland. Vibrant maple leaves and warm fairy lights served as elegant decorations, while the stage was bathed in mellow orange lighting, reminding me of a cosy cottage in the woods. The theme extended to the designs of the programme booklet and projected stage backdrops, which were filled with sketches of autumn leaves and adorable cats. Piano Ensemble even created a matching Instagram filter for the concert, to share behind-the-scenes footage of the evening’s performances. On stage, twinkling lights and twisting vines crept up the legs of the grand piano, providing a magical setting for the performers to take the stage.
The concert opened with classics from the likes of Mendelssohn and Chopin, with the performers’ fingers flying over the keys in a thoroughly impressive display of talent. Beethoven’s “Pathetique Movement 1” stood out with its sweet and soothing melodies, before shifting into a powerful forte, like a whirlwind of falling leaves. The song’s shifting emotional intensity was reflected in its ever-changing pacing and volume, yet the performer’s expert control over the music helped to create the effect of a stunning autumnal landscape. Meanwhile, “Jeux d’Eau” by Maurice Ravel was a more playful piece, reminiscent of cascading water droplets from a bubbling fountain. The airiness and fluidity of the lighthearted melody was perfectly reflected in the song’s title, which translates to “water games” in French. Gliding effortlessly between every note, the pianist’s incredible talent highlighted the sparkling arpeggios interwoven throughout the piece.
Beyond traditional classics, the performances featured a dazzling variety of modern hits, and even soundtracks from films and video games. “Epilogue” from the musical romance film La La Land (2016) delved into the jazz genre, serving as a fascinating departure from the earlier classical pieces. Featuring upbeat melodies interspersed with melancholic interludes, the widely popular piece was a bittersweet rendition of the film’s award-winning soundtrack. Another hit song performed was Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”, a song with undeniable mass appeal. The piano provided the track’s iconic melody, complemented by breezy harmonies from guitar and vocals, similar to Swift’s own acoustic performances.
Out of the concert’s magnificent lineup, two songs in particular left a lasting impression for me. I was personally captivated by Edvard Grieg’s “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen”, a powerful declaration of love composed to commemorate Grieg’s 25th wedding anniversary. The piece flitted between the piano’s higher and lower registers, representing joyful memories of Grieg’s wedding celebrations, before leading into a slower and more sentimental interlude. Like a fairytale-esque romance from classic Disney films, the piece perfectly captured the vibrance and youthfulness of Grieg’s love story even after 25 years of marriage, painting a touching image of love through the ages.
Undeniably, my favourite piece of the evening was Taiwanese singer A-Lin’s ballad “Forgetting The Embrace (忘记拥抱)”. Created as the theme song of Taiwanese romance film Another Woman (2015), “Forgetting The Embrace” reminisces on bygone memories and the fleeting nature of human experiences. To stage a dynamic performance, the musicians seamlessly blended the warm and melodious vocals with the delicate sound of the piano. The performance’s emotional peak was marked by fantastic crescendos and high notes in the song’s bridge, before transitioning into a tender piano solo. Simple yet emotionally rich, this stripped down rendition allowed audiences to immerse themselves in the song’s vulnerability. I was left in awe at the performance’s emotional depth – it felt like for just a few minutes, I was the main character of a romance drama at its heartbreaking climax.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the coherence of the concert’s autumnal theme, from the carefully-curated selection of songs to the gorgeous decorations. Even in the midst of cramming for finals in Singapore’s sweltering heat, I felt as though I was strolling in a forest full of fiery foliage, taking in the crisp autumn air and basking in the peaceful atmosphere created by the piano music. Tickling the Ivories 2024 was truly an enthralling respite from the stressful grind of university life, and I’ll be eagerly anticipating the next showcase of Piano Ensemble’s immense talent.