On a momentous Saturday evening, the renowned American pianist Jeremy Denk captivated audiences at Yale's Battell Chapel with a spellbinding performance that paid homage to the legendary composer Charles Ives. In a program that spanned the grand tapestry of American music, Denk masterfully wove together the influences and legacy of this trailblazing figure, leaving an indelible mark on all in attendance.

A Virtuosic Celebration of American Musical Genius

Beethoven's Influence and the Avant-Garde

The concert began with a nod to the towering influence of Beethoven, as Denk seamlessly transitioned between the composer's late-period sonatas. The unconventional structures and experimental nature of these works set the stage for the evening's exploration of musical innovation. Denk's interpretation of the Op. 109 sonata, a last-minute addition to the program, showcased his exceptional artistry, hinting at the profound impact of Beethoven's late style on the Modernist composers who followed.

Ragtime Roots and the Melancholic Waltz

Pivoting to the works of pioneering American composers, Denk's performance of Scott Joplin's "Bethena, A Concert Waltz" was a poignant tribute to the "King of Ragtime." The delicate melancholy of the piece, tinged with a key change to the minor, was rendered with exquisite sensitivity and a lingering, contemplative rubato. Denk's interpretations of Louis Moreau Gottschalk's "The Banjo" and Nina Simone's "Just in Time" further illuminated the diverse influences that shaped Ives' musical vision.

The Mischievous Ghost Rags and the Arioso Dolente

The first half of the concert concluded with Denk's masterful performance of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 31, Op. 110. His control over the rubato was nothing short of breathtaking, as he guided the audience through a journey from a "German drunken dance" to the haunting "Arioso dolente," culminating in a technically excellent fugue that evoked the revival of spring. The audience was then treated to the mischievous delights of William Bolcom's "The Poltergeist" from "Three Ghost Rags," which showcased Denk's infectious joy and playful energy.

The Transcendental Journey of the "Concord" Sonata

The second half of the concert belonged entirely to Ives, with Denk's mesmerizing interpretation of the composer's seminal "Concord" Sonata. Widely regarded as the foremost American sonata, this work is both a technical tour de force and a philosophical exploration of the Transcendentalist movement. Denk's nuanced performance navigated the dense and physically demanding piece with stunning technique and a profound sense of play, effortlessly transitioning between the tender "The Alcotts" and the virtuosic, vicious humor of "Hawthorne."As the final notes of the "Concord" Sonata faded, the audience was left in a state of reverent silence, as if emerging from a trance. The standing ovation that followed was a testament to the transformative power of Denk's interpretation, which not only honored Ives' legacy but also reminded the audience of the enduring spirit of American classical music.