in performance: Nicholas Maw Memorial Concert

Such life here, through such lengths of hours,
Such miracles performed in play,
Such primal naked form of flowers,
Such letting Nature have her way
While Heaven looks from its towers.
- excerpted "Two in the Campagna" by Robert Browning

It is true that we all stand on the shoulders of giants in our profession. When our “giants” pass away we have only our memories and their music to keep them close. In a tribute to one such “giant,” friends, family, students, and fans of the late Nicholas Maw gathered on Tuesday April 20, in Peabody’s Griswold Hall. Judah Adashi, former student and current Peabody professor, organized the event that featured works by Richard Lake, Jeffrey Lindon, Adashi, and of course, Maw.

Many stunning performers were showcased in this special concert. The Peabody Trio brought life to Lindon’s “Piano Trio III. Remembrance” which was revised in 2009 in memoriam to Maw. They also played with precision and grace in Maw’s 1989 “Piano Trio” in a testament to the passion of the late composer.

A truly intimate performance of Maw’s “Roman Canticle” included William Sharp, baritone; Kristin Bacchiocchi-Stewart, flute; Maria Lambros, viola; Jacqueline Pollauf, harp.

It is no wonder why Sharp has had such an extensive recital career. His sensitivity to the prosody as well as the subtle changes in the music was clearly evident. Altogether, the ensemble performed with captivating unity.

Listening to Maw’s friends, former students, and wife Maija recall their memories added a real sense of intimacy to the concert. Somehow, I am assured that each one of the composers would have received an unornamented “bravo” for their efforts.