Wednesday, February 7, senior Mayumi Ushiro performed a solo piano recital that mesmerized Washington College students and Chestertown residents. Despite an arm injury and even losing her sheet music, Ushiro was able to satisfy her senior obligation, as well as her audience.
Ushiro played works from various composers, including "Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 860," by Bach; "Sonata in C major, K. 330," by Mozart; "Phantasiestucke, Op. 12," by Schumann; "Prelude in B minor, Op. 1, No.1"; "Prelude in C minor, Op. 1, No. 7," by Szymanowski; and "Sonata," by Dutilleux.
With the breadth of works Ushiro performed, it would seem impossible to find someone who did not enjoy at least a small portion of the evening.
Ushiro provided variety in that she dabbled in older, better-known pieces in addition to more modern styles of classical music.Music professor Garry Clarke explained how difficult it is to master many varieties of classical music.
Said Clarke, "Mayumi played music from different periods; there's a different approach to each one. It takes a lot of skill to do that."
Ushiro has been playing the piano since she was six years old. She came to WC from Japan after learning that she would not be able to play piano professionally.
Ushiro explained, "I wanted to pursue a career in piano, but because of an arm injury, my doctor told me I had to give it up. That is why I came here to study arts management."
Those who attended the recital were impressed with her skill as a musician.
Senior Don Holdren commented, "Mayumi's playing was very dramatic. She had a lot of poise."Senior Kat Hanson was another satisfied audience member. She said, "It was technically precise, and Ushiro had wonderful dynamics. I was amazed by the fact that she had the whole concert memorized."
Senior Cheryl McDaniel added, "It's wonderful that such phenomenal music could come from such a small person."
Clarke had more praise for Ushiro: "Mayumi is a very accomplished artist. There is a great intelligence in her playing. That is a great achievement."
Winston Bradshaw, who lives near WC, was especially moved by Ushiro's playing. He described the performance, saying, "It was wonderful. She should become a concert pianist. I heard her at Heron Point last Thursday and she was good, and she was even better tonight."
Ushiro's reaction to her performance was a little different from that of the audience members. She explained, "In Japan, I practiced so many hours. Here, I cannot practice much because of my arm injury."
Her arm was not the only hindrance to her practice. She added, "I lost my scores and could not find them until two weeks before the concert."
Ushiro was quite satisfied with her recital: "Compared to my performance in Japan, it was one tenth of what I could have done, but I'm satisfied."
Ushiro chose a recital as her senior obligation for many reasons. She explained, "I enjoy playing music. When I am performing, I am so into the music that I do not notice the people."
Even though Ushiro will not be able to have a career as a concert pianist, she plans to spread her passion by working in arts management.
Said Ushiro, "I want to spread classical music to many people. I want them to know about it and how great it is."
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