Whitney Blake asked me to “review” this one, and seemed to care not a whit that I am in no way qualified! I go to enjoy, not to criticize, and boy did I ever enjoy this program! And from the thunderous applause and “Bravos” I heard, the others did, too.

Maria Parrini opened the program with a familiar (to me) Chopin Ballade, so I was able to ascertain that this young woman puts her technical mastery of the piano at the service of the music.

 Next, her “little brother” Sam (16) played an unaccompanied Ysaye Sonata with vigor and astonishing technique and tone for one so young. Then he was joined by Maria (19) for their first run-through together of a Mozart Sonata. Mama Sherry turned pages for Maria while Papa Fabio videotaped all of the pieces. Again, well-earned thunderous applause greeted them.

After a short intermission, Maria played an interesting Sonata by Alban Berg. Her spoken program notes made me more optimistic than I had been, and her playing was convincing.

Maria brought down the house with her masterful playing of Beethoven’s Waldstein. As I told her, I think Beethoven was pleased; I have heard several more famous pianists play it, but never enjoyed it more.

Maria and I discussed the new Boston piano that her father helped to select for the Landrum Methodist Church. It was designed by Steinway, but made in the Far East by Kawai. This piano was “born big,” as Franz Mohr used to say as he grabbed those off the Steinway production line for his Concert Department. Maria controlled her dynamics very well, especially when playing with Sam with the top up! She also was able to perform the glissandi in the Waldstein after some practice with the Boston’s heavy action. 

Yeah, this one’s a rave, but I think Maria and Sam earned it!

Garland O. Goodwin, Columbus, N.C.