A majestic piano performance from Rhoden

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

The lengthy title of the event, 'Orrett Rhoden Plays Works for Piano In A Double Disc Launch', would have been a deterrent to some people. Especially as it was also clear that there would have been only one performer. But for others, the name Orrett Rhoden was the only requisite. And Rhoden obviously knew, so he reciprocated with a sterling performance.

His performance really began when he was ushered to the stage with a welcome applause. After observing all protocol, he told the congregation that the concert was in memory of his grandmother who "did not miss one of my Kingston concerts". Then he abandoned his jacket for a piano placed on the lower level of the stage at the University Chapel, Mona, and began the anticipated.

He opened with pieces from B Galuppi. They included the chirpy and pure-sounding Sonata No. 5 in C, the popular Adante and Allegro. After a brief thank you to the audience, the slender fingers rejoined forces with ebony and ivory. Together they thrilled with the romantic-sounding Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique Op. 13. The first half of the concert ended with Mendelssohn's Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Op. 14.

Second segment

After a 10-minute break, the second segment was on the way. It was another display of fantastic performance coloured with style and finesse. Ravel's Valses Nobles et Sentimentales and four pieces from Chopin were presented in a mesmerising fashion. The flags of the various Caribbean countries that hovered above the pew of the chapel remained motionless upon hearing the beauty and ferocity of Chopin's Ballad No. 1 in G Minor Op. 23. But Rhoden had more. The best was saved for the last.

With an arrangement that rivalled any vocal rendition, the pianist gave an amazing presentation of Bob Marley's classic One Love. The reward for his sterling arrangement and performance was the longest and loudest applause of the evening. And that should have been his final selection. Instead, the concise programme ended with an encore. It came in the form of a Sebastian Bach piece, The Gigue, from French Suite No. 5. Later, he told The Gleaner that was the first time, in over 20 years, that he had played a Bach piece.

Main exit

But Rhoden's fine treatment of his audience did not end with the encore piece. Instead, he headed for the main exit. There he greeted each member of the departing audience as some long-lost relative. And it was to be much later that he spoke to The Gleaner about the other reason for the concert, the launch of his "disc".

"The CD is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, who passed in April," he said. "It represents a lot of her favourite pieces that she used to listen to while I practised at her family home. And I decided to do the concert and the recording in her memory," he explained.

But there is also another reason for creating a CD. He celebrated his 50th birthday this year, and as Jamaica will also be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, the CD will be his contribution to the country's milestone.

The title of the disc is just as lengthy as that of the concert: Orrett Rhoden Performs Works by Composers Galuppi, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Ravel; and is Dedicated to My Grandmother Ivy Lindo.