My recital at Steinway Hall, on Oct. 28

Written by Nate Robinson
Published: November 3, 2013 at 3:56 AM [UTC]

Hi everyone, I played a recital this past Monday evening, at Steinway Hall, in the beautiful headquarters of Steinway & Sons in New York City. It was nice meeting some new people in the audience (which included some violinist.com members), and seeing some old friends as well.

I found out this was one of the very last concerts in the historic building before Steinway moves its headquarters to a different location. The 88-year-old building down the block and across the street from Carnegie Hall, has been sold . It will, from my understanding, be turned into an apartment building.

I highly recommend visiting the Steinway building on 57th Street while you can (which won't be for much longer), if you are in New York.

When going inside the historic building, rather than feeling like you're in a showroom, it feels more like a museum, with the wonderful art-deco architecture (kind of like Grand Central Terminal), the numerous pianos, statues, historic photos of great artists, and paintings that line the walls. I couldn't help but be inspired while playing this recital.

Photo: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

Here is my video of the Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, a piece that I have been working on since I was 10, and seem to never get tired of. It has been one of my favorite showpieces to play. I hope you like it!

From Erik Bystedt
Posted on November 3, 2013 at 2:14 PM

Looked really nice, shame that such a building should be torn down though.

From Michael Nelson
Posted on November 3, 2013 at 5:26 PM

Very nice! I wish I'd been there. I watched this right after breakfast, with my cup of tea, and started the day with an exuberant feeling!

From Nate Robinson
Posted on November 3, 2013 at 11:23 PM

Yes I agree, Erik. Steinway Hall is a real NYC landmark, and national treasure in my opinion.

Thank you Michael! I'm glad I was able to bring you exuberance. :)

From Randy Walton
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 1:00 AM

Excellent!! Nate! Wish I could've been there for the whole thing!

From Paul Deck
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 2:21 AM

I really appreciated some of your expressive touches in the opening part of the piece. I think sometimes those opportunities are missed because the emphasis is on the fireworks later on. What else was on your program?

From Roy Sonne
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 3:57 AM

Terrific performance, Nate. Lots of style and imagination. And I'm green with envy over your staccato ;-)

From Nate Robinson
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 4:51 AM

Thank you Randy, Paul and Roy for the kind words. :)

Here's a copy of the program in PDF Paul: From Nate Robinson
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 5:06 AM

Yes Randy, I try not to use too many strenuous movements when I play. Some people translate these movements or facial expressions into a more musical performance. I feel I do not do my very best playing when I move the instrument or sway like some others might do. I remember Eugene Fodor also talked about how he tried keeping his left hand and instrument, rather stationary, but not stiff, for greater ease of execution. I find this approach to fit me the best.

Best of luck and you deserve to play in other nice halls, that's for sure!
Anne-Marie

My recital at Steinway Hall, on Oct. 28

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