St. James’ Steinway Concert Series Features Fayetteville Pianist

After last autumn’s Steinway Concert at St. James’ Episcopal Church, one concert goer referred to the church as “the concert church.” I believe he was moved not only by the excellence of the solo pianist, but also by the fine acoustics of the historic sanctuary built in 1885.

St. James’ is pleased to announce another concert–– this one also in the tradition of their classical piano recitals–– by Miles Gillette-Bockhorn. A Fayetteville native, he is making a name for himself of late, recently performed a stunning Chopin program at Fayetteville’s ARTS gallery to an enthusiastic audience.

Though that concert was an immediate sellout, the gallery seated only 47. St. James’ has a capacity of close to three times that by contrast.

The theme for the afternoon is Hungarian composers with rhapsodies as the focus.

He begins with the most preeminent Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt. But it is not to be Liszt’s most famous, and most performed rhapsody, the one in C-sharp minor––a staple in animated films–– but an equally captivating Hungarian Rhapsody No. 5, in e minor. Dubbed the “Héroïde-élégiaque” by the composer himself, it is said to be the darkest of the 19 Liszt rhapsodies.

The No 5 (S. 244/2) is said to be among his least difficult of his rhapsodies to play; it is nevertheless very accessible and rewarding to the audience.

There follows Béla Bartók’s 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs (Sz. 71). Bartók was an avid chronicler of authentic Hungarian folk melodies composed during WW I.

The Peasant Songs are followed by Ernst von Dohnányi ’s Rhapsody No. 2 in F-sharp minor (Op. 11 No. 2). And that is followed by Dohnányi’s Rhapsody No. 4 in E-flat minor (Op. 11 No. 4). Both compelling works but not, I readily admit, familiar to this listener.

The Dohnányi connection to Liszt here is interesting. One of his major piano teachers, István Thomán was a favorite pupil of Liszt himself.

It is a given the composers and compositions are superb, but the star of the concert rests with the artist himself in my opinion. The concentration and accuracy Gillette-Bockhorn displays are captivating. He handles the romantic elements with aplomb as well as the riveting arpeggios.

I have had the pleasure of watching and listening to him on the organ as well as the Steinway piano while a member of the St. James’ choir of late. He is the artist in residence there for the summer and plays the keyboards each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service.

I look forward to following his career as he ascends the transcendent heights. He may be destined for loftier venues, more prominent halls. But for now, we have him.

You’ll want to be there.

Miles Gillette-Bockhorn piano recital, St. James’ Church (across from H-E-B, Sunday, July 13, 3 pm. “Meet the Artist” reception to follow. Free will donation for the artist welcomed. (Phone: 979 968-3910)