Alisa Weilerstein Performs at the White House: 3 of 8

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein performs Zoltán Kodálys Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 8 and III. Allegro molto vivace at the White House Evening of Classical Music on November 4, 2009.
(public domain)

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[volk410]

Beautiful and inspired performance of one of the world's greatest pieces for solo cello. Very vivid and rhapsodic. For those who hated it, maybe just try to learn a little bit more about it? Read about Bartók and Kodály, and their importance in Hungarian art music? Watch the YouTube vidoes of Janos Starker playing the entire Kodály sonata? Seriously, there's a tremendous amount of beauty in this music, if you just allow yourself to experience it. Thank you, Alisa!

[brumagemm]

Wow, she's just so deft with that left hand, I can tell she's practiced a lifetime for this.

[kirinphoebe1]

@BrahmsConcerto Maybe people who are "unseasoned listeners" are stretched musically, emotionally, and intellectually by hearing this. Maybe there are "seasoned listeners" in the audience, too...?

[kirinphoebe1]

@Bentland Because it is a fantastic piece of music, because she plays it beautifully, and because classical music is not supposed to be wallpaper.

[kirinphoebe1]

@TheDuoUNCC I agree that other pieces might be more popular, but this is a fantastic piece that is in the standard cello repertoire. Music should stretch the imagination, open the ears, stimulate the mind, and not just be "easy to listen to." And I'd say the same about church too. We need to be invited to think and receive new ideas, not just be lulled into somnolence.

[Skateingsniper]

i highly doubt that the president or most of the people in the room didn't understand the magnitude of that piece.

[dhgcello]

@monkeylard35 You obviously don't have ANY respect or appreciation of music then. I say you have terrible taste, if you think this performance is bad, and if this piece is "shitty".

[monkeylard35]

Some people would say her performance was very passionate and dramatic.............. I would say she looks likes shes shitting out a two by four. her face and perfomance totally take away from the shitty music

[enduggy]

@volk410 Hey if its really good music don't you think it should be able to stand on its own and not need anything else for listeners to appreciate the "tremendous amount of beauty" in it?

If I follow your advice, doesn't it seem like trying too hard to convince myself to like it, when in the first place I should not need any convincing? After all, ears are enough to figure it out. Maybe you like it for other reasons besides the sound?

[aichan95]

i like this song reminds me of scottish themes and italian themes! XD and at some points tom and jerry

[redhotchiliangel]

Its a great cellist, But sinceraly i prefer other musicians in this particulary piece.

[Verified1]

To all the commenters who criticized the choice of program, just take a listen to the applause at the end. Give the artist, and the audience, some credit for their sophistication and taste. This was a wonderful performance of a brilliant composition. Wish I'd been there to hear it in person. If it's too complicated for you, or not to your taste, that's OK. When you are invited to perform at the WH, you can play what ever you like. Turn off your computer and start practicing.