I spent yesterday afternoon at the home of Dr. Ed Pong, owner of Ultra Analog Recordings, for an intimate few hours of live classical music. There were approximately 75-80 people present (at least by my quick head count) for this event, and it took place in the Pool area. It is here where UAR records for their tape releases. The space is 40' x 50' with a vaulted ceiling, which measures 22' high at the front and sloping down to 13' at the rear. The ceiling is cedar-lined and there are no acoustic treatments. The pool itself is filled, and luckily we all remained dry.
The musicians/performers were there (I believe) to do some recording work, although the concert itself was not. I'm sure several of you are familiar with the musicians from the tapes and/or CD's of previous UAR recordings. The musicians were:
Li Wang - Piano (7' Steinway with German hammers)
Sietse-Jan Weijenberg - Cello (Joseph Guarneri)
Xiang Yu - Violin (Stradivari)
I do not have many words to describe what I heard as the occasion and quality of sound left me quite breathless. Rich, like butter, soft, clear, distinct were some I wrote down as I listened to the first piece. I don't know if this is correct to say, but I thought that each of them played to the room and general spacing of the area. Never was there a feeling if it being too loud, which I suppose says something about their professionalism and also the quality of the physical environment. The very quiet passages were a joy to behold and still very clearly heard. I think I wrote down "butter" when my ears were presented with the soft and detailed sounds. This type of recital and venue was a first for me, and although I do not know classical music, I know that what I heard was spectacular. A full orchestra in a beautiful concert hall is a thrill to attend, but this recital is the best live sound I have ever had the privilege is hearing. STUNNING!
The programme for the afternoon consisted of:
Vitali - Chaccone in G minor
Beethoven: Seven Variations on "Bei Mannern" (from Mozart's Magic Flute)
Debussy: Claire de Lune
Monti: Czardas
Handel-Halvorsen: Passacaglia
Intermission
Mozart: Duo in G major, K.423 - 1. Allegro, 2. Adagio, 3. Rondo, Allegro
Beethoven: Piano Trio No.4 in D major, Op.70 No.1 (Ghost) - 1. Allegro vivace e con brio, 2. Largo assai ed espressivo, 3. Presto
Mssrs. Wang, Weijenberg and Xiang were gracious enough to come back for a wonderful encore, which the audience greatly appreciated and welcomed with a rousing applause.
I have attached a few images and videos (posted seperately) for your enjoyment, and I hope that you get a bit of a sense of what it must have been like for me. Do excuse me for the crappy video though.
The musicians/performers were there (I believe) to do some recording work, although the concert itself was not. I'm sure several of you are familiar with the musicians from the tapes and/or CD's of previous UAR recordings. The musicians were:
Li Wang - Piano (7' Steinway with German hammers)
Sietse-Jan Weijenberg - Cello (Joseph Guarneri)
Xiang Yu - Violin (Stradivari)
I do not have many words to describe what I heard as the occasion and quality of sound left me quite breathless. Rich, like butter, soft, clear, distinct were some I wrote down as I listened to the first piece. I don't know if this is correct to say, but I thought that each of them played to the room and general spacing of the area. Never was there a feeling if it being too loud, which I suppose says something about their professionalism and also the quality of the physical environment. The very quiet passages were a joy to behold and still very clearly heard. I think I wrote down "butter" when my ears were presented with the soft and detailed sounds. This type of recital and venue was a first for me, and although I do not know classical music, I know that what I heard was spectacular. A full orchestra in a beautiful concert hall is a thrill to attend, but this recital is the best live sound I have ever had the privilege is hearing. STUNNING!
The programme for the afternoon consisted of:
Vitali - Chaccone in G minor
Beethoven: Seven Variations on "Bei Mannern" (from Mozart's Magic Flute)
Debussy: Claire de Lune
Monti: Czardas
Handel-Halvorsen: Passacaglia
Intermission
Mozart: Duo in G major, K.423 - 1. Allegro, 2. Adagio, 3. Rondo, Allegro
Beethoven: Piano Trio No.4 in D major, Op.70 No.1 (Ghost) - 1. Allegro vivace e con brio, 2. Largo assai ed espressivo, 3. Presto
Mssrs. Wang, Weijenberg and Xiang were gracious enough to come back for a wonderful encore, which the audience greatly appreciated and welcomed with a rousing applause.
I have attached a few images and videos (posted seperately) for your enjoyment, and I hope that you get a bit of a sense of what it must have been like for me. Do excuse me for the crappy video though.
