Look Who it Was Random video

"Sonatina" in A min Op.27 #18 (Dmitry Kabalevsky)

2,164 views · Published 30 March 2014 · 1:14 · Indexed 17 October 2026

Channel: jbsandown · 2014 · Music

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At first hearing, this Kabalevsky piece sounds deceptively simple. But I love its subtle dynamics and humour. This version was recorded by me as a live concert item in 2009 at Hawarden High School. 
The young performer is Paige Gowland, who was a pupil at the school. Taught piano by North Wales' award-winning teacher, Mrs Elaine Sleeman, Paige touches on every nuance of expression that the composer might have envisaged. This interpretation is my favourite and I hope it inspires all those youngsters who, right now, might be toiling away at their keyboards.

2009 marked the year of the bi-centenary of the birth of former prime minister -and Hawarden resident, Mr W E Gladstone. Elsewhere on youtube I have posted extracts of some of the local community archive films that I produced at that time as a personal tribute to a 19th century legend.

My back-pack documentaries needed a music theme! Something that might reflect the conviction and honest endeavour of a statesman who, during his busy lifetime was known as "The People's William". When I heard this piece, played by a local student, on a piano in Mr Gladstone's beloved Hawarden, I knew my quest was over!.

I was delighted when Paige consented to my adopting the audio of this performance as the opening theme and incidental music to my project. 

Thank you Paige -and best wishes for your studies. May your life always be filled with harmony and joy.

                  Camera: Terry Sleeman
Sound/Compilation: John Butler

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