Review: Ferguson produces smooth sensations

Megan Bowen
Staff Writer
April 1, 2004, Page 5

Musically talented pianist Dianne Ferguson performed Monday night for the Doane student body and Crete community in Heckman Auditorium.
Ferguson opened the concert with duet partner Emmy Bou, playing “Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 18, No. 5 for One Piano, Four Hands” by Johann Christian Bach. The two pianists didn’t miss a note.
The second piece was “Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49” by Felix Mendelssohn. Ferguson was accompanied by Tracy Sands on cello and Donna Carnes on violin. The four movements of this composition ranged in tempo from fast and agitated to slow and tranquil. The constant piano melody contrasted well with the intermittent string countermelody, producing the smooth sound of the piece.
Ferguson was again accompanied by Bou in the third selection. This four-movement piece, titled “En Bateau, Cortege, Menuet, and Ballet,” was the most animated.
“My favorite selection was the third movement of ‘Petite Suite for One Piano, Four Hands’ by Claude Debussy,” freshman Monica Williams said. “The Menuet had a Renaissance feel.”
The final piece, “L’Union, Op. 48” by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, combined “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Hail Columbia” and “Yankee Doodle.”
In a rousing finale, the patriotic medley instilled a sense of nationalistic pride throughout the auditorium.
A reception in the Great Hall took place after the concert.
Other music events this week include a Student Honors Recital at 7:30 p.m. today, Swing into Spring featuring Jazz Unlimited at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and a Junior Recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, all in Heckman.