Baroque, Romance, Impressionism, and Jazz
LEXI LIND sings the praises of Mike Hatchard, who substituted at the last moment for Salomé Chitaia
Being asked to step in to give a piano recital at short notice is one thing. But when the performer in question has just given another concert as part of a classical quintet, and driven 50 miles to make the Stables Theatre on time, it is quite another.
Step up the versatile and excellent Mike Hatchard.
Primarily known as a jazz pianist, Mike trained at the Royal Academy of Music and has a wealth of experience and talent, playing in myriad musical styles and genres. He really knows his stuff. In his experienced hands, the beautiful Bechstein Grand rang out sweet and clear for a selection from Bach the elder and Bach CP, the second surviving son of JS.
Chopin and Ravel followed, having been promised for the original concert.
As Mike played some of my beloved ballet barre favourites, including the Nocturne in E-flat major and the Fantasie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor, his clear love of Chopin emerged. This, among other pieces, was one that Chopin did not wish to be published after his death. Thankfully for us, his wishes were ignored and this popular piece, along with many others that Chopin had never himself played in public, was eventually bequeathed to the world fifteen years after his death.
This was just one of many interesting facts and anecdotes with which Mike Hatchard, a true entertainer, engaged us throughout the afternoon. An impromptu jazz finale delighted the audience with some wonderful improvisation played around the beautiful 1952 jazz standard, My One and Only Love. Long-time fans, who were there specifically to see Mike, and the regular Stables concert audience, were charmed.
If you ever get the chance to hear Mike play, don’t hesitate. You might even get some Beethoven Boogie Woogie for good measure.
With thanks to Neil and all at The Stables.
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