[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts music review of the De Maeyer-Kende Violin & Piano Duo featuring pianist Nikolaas Kende and violinist Jolente De Maeyer at at The Athena Foundation for the Arts concert series.
William Shakespeare once wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it;” Last Sunday, I feasted on the abundance of the sweet musings of pianist Nikolaas Kende and violinist Jolente De Maeyer. This five-course meal of auditory delights came in the fashion of Ludwig Van Beethoven, Arvo Pärt, and Fritz Kreisler. In the past few months, I have been exposed to some very fine musicians, but De Maeyer and Kende deliver such a magical synergy that it leaves one breathless and wanting more and more and more.
We were treated to the mastery of two Belgian musicians. The selections played were accompanied by famous artworks projected on a screen behind them. The marriage of music played by sublime musicians playing Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Opus 30 No. 2. with the paintings of Matisse, Renoir, and Falciatore and many more was utterly transportative. So, like a great meal, presentation is everything.
The duo of De Maeyer and Kende not only bring precision, passion, and virtuosity, but they also bring that added ingredient that is hard to describe, something indefinable, magical even. It is like that secret ingredient that makes a dish unforgettable.
The audience was enthusiastic and well pleased. I felt fortunate enough to be present at such a marvel of music and art. But, I must say that the feeling of joy stood out from all of my other emotions. The joy of hearing such talent and skill in person and the joy of the union of classic works played adoringly with some of the greatest artists in the world…truly brilliant!
“0’ it came o’er my ear like the sweet sound
That breathes upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving door.”
William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night Act One, Scene One