complete that even the turning of the page by the Pianist made an audible ‘click’. It was the ‘Nocturno’ by Franz Strauss.
The ‘Clarinet Sonata no. 2’ by Johannes Brahms was the next wonderful presentation. A pebble is thrown in a pond creating ripples, spreading outward, creating circles of pleasure and peace. Another pebble is thrown. The outward waves start spreading again. It was exciting and entertaining. There was peace. Music was flowing out of piano like a balmy breeze, tickling and soothing at the same time.
The music turned more energetic as it grew stronger and louder, rising and falling, halting for a moment to embrace the warmth and become even more invigorating, flowing freely and vigorously. It seemed like winds playing with water. It sounded like the music of running streams and natural brooks and the winds blowing all over the vast meadows and skirting undulating hillocks.
And in the end it was the ‘Trio for Piano, Horn and Clarinet’ by Carl Reinecke with the Horn taking the lead, the Piano spreading melodies and the Clarinet creating ripples. The passions seemed to be building. It sounded stronger and stronger, swirling around as if pouring out of every nook and corner. The trio was playing its magic, rising higher and higher, casting their spell. It seemed as if the music has become tangible and if one may wish one can reach out and touch the rising and falling of waves of sounds pouring out of the instruments. And then suddenly there was a deafening silence which was broken by the loud applause.
The trio took its bows and descended from the stage but had to return for the second round of bows as the crowd continued to clap enthusiastically to express their appreciation. It indeed was a lovely evening, culminating on a warm note.
Earlier, Mr Peter Felten, the Deputy Head of the Mission of German Embassy spoke briefly, welcoming the guests and introducing the artistes and highlighting their achievements. He also announced that the evening marked the closure of such cultural events for the year 2015 but promised that the calendar for such cultural events for the year 2016 offers a lot of promise. The guests were entertained to light refreshments at the end of the programme.