Gina Kruger (piano) and Darquise Bilodeau (soprano)

We’ve enjoyed a number of recitals by Gina over the years, both as a soloist and providing accompaniment to another musician, a violinist or in this case a soprano singer. So we have much to thank Gina for – and perhaps reflect that the accompanist does not always get the appreciation that the role deserves.

The recital, entitled ‘November Memories’ did indeed have a decidedly autumnal flavour, with songs looking back with yearning on loves lost, awaiting the return of a loved one from a war, or reflecting on departed souls. Like an autumnal ‘Indian Summer’ a couple expressed joys of life now – an early morning scene in Paris, or dancing amongst the daisies.

The songs were in English, French and German: perhaps thankfully the T’ang Dynasty Lyrics had been translated into English!

For me a vocalist combines pleasure with just a hint of missing out: words or phrases understood hint at the poetry behind the lyrics without revealing it in fullness. We thus rely on the music and the expressiveness of the singer to complete the message. So we were helped by the very comprehensive introductions to the pieces that Darquise and Gina provided.

And Gina also played us a couple of solo pieces to give Darquise’ voice a break.

A most enjoyable recital. And whilst I wondered whether having the words to the songs to help us better appreciate the poetry involved, there was also the thought that it might be a distraction rather than an enhancement. Something to try, perhaps, but for another day.