CONCERT REVIEW: Music by Myroslav Skoryk at the Lyceum (06/13/04)

CONCERT REVIEW: Music by Myroslav Skoryk at the Lyceum

by Zdanna Krawciw

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The 2003-2004 Music Series sponsored by The Washington Group Cultural Fund under the patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine concluded on Sunday, May 23 with a recital by violinist Oleksandr Abayev and pianist Maryna Rogozhyna at The Lyceum in Alexandria, Va.

Both artists are natives of Ukraine, have performed extensively as soloists and in chamber music recitals throughout Europe and in the United States, and have been winners in numerous music competitions. Their artistry was showcased particularly in the performance of the Sonata by Myroslav Skoryk, the featured Ukrainian composer for this concert.

The opening work of the afternoon was Johannes Brahms' Scherzo "Sonatensatz" for violin and piano followed by a rendition of the magnificent Sonata in A major for violin and piano by César Franck. The Sonata, written in 1886, is an example of Franck's mature style characterized by complex phrase structures and rich chromaticism, wonderful vehicles for the passionate themes born of his innate emotionalism. Mr. Abayev and Ms. Rogozhyna's reading of the Sonata tended towards a lyrical rather than a dramatic interpretation. Beautifully sculpted melodic lines in the violin part of the third movement Recitativo were particularly impressive.

The highlight of the evening was the performance of the Sonata No. 2 for violin and piano by Skoryk, the opening work in the second half of the program. Mr. Abayev and Ms. Rogozhyna clearly have an affinity for this music and an understanding of the nuances of form and mood in the various movements.

In the first movement, called "Word," the artists created a sense that their instruments were engaged in a conversation, with the violin and the piano taking turns as the principal voice. A lovely soaring melody on the violin with harmonically interesting chords in the piano accompaniment launched the "Aria," the aptly named second movement, in which both Mr. Abayev and Ms. Rogozhyna elicited beautiful singing tones from their instruments. The syncopations and the jazz rhythms of the delightful "Burlesque," the third movement, were executed with accuracy, grace, and elegance by the artists.

This Sonata is certainly a work which deserves a prominent spot in 20th century music literature and a more frequent performance on international stages. Joseph McLellan, a critic for The Washington Post, in a review of a concert in which Skoryk's music was included in the program, wondered why these compositions were not played more often. The answer, of course, is lack of exposure. Featuring such works in recitals is a step towards acquainting the general public with this music.

The final work on the program was a Fantasia on "Porgy and Bess" for violin and piano by George Gershwin as arranged by I. Frolov. The juxtaposition of the Gershwin and the Skoryk works was quite interesting. Both 20th century compositions abound in soulful melodies and jazz rhythms. However, Gershwin draws on Afro-American idioms, while Skoryk derives his inspiration from Ukrainian folk themes. Mr. Abayev and Ms. Rogozhyna performed this showstopper with verve, exhibiting flawless technique and feeling.

Enthusiastic applause by an appreciative audience was rewarded with an encore, Skoryk's "Melodia," a lovely miniature played with tenderness and delicacy.

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