Concert pianist and international touring artist Rorianne Schrade performed a recital of works by Franz Liszt to a sold-out audience at Eastern Bank in Wareham Friday evening. In celebration of the composer's bicentennial, her performance was greeted by numerous and well-deserved standing ovations. Ms. Schrade's program was carefully chosen to include not only iconic compositions by the romantic master, but a survey of some of his varied and eloquent arrangements of preceding composers, including Bach, Schubert and Gounod.

The first half of Ms. Schrade's program was comprised of short works, spanning Liszt's vast career. The first selection, an arrangement of Bach's Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, set a stately tone for the concert. Schrade's handling of Bach's composition and Liszt's piano arrangement was masterful and reverent. Bach's contrapuntal conversation and Liszt's colors were expertly balanced.

Following the Bach arrangement, Ms. Schrade launched into the celebrated "Wild Jagt" (Wild Hunt) from the "Transcendental Etudes." Her fearless approach was rewarded by a breathless execution that had some audience members jumping out of their seats.

Three very considered selections followed: "Pastorale (from Années de Pélerinage), St. Francis Walking Over the Waves (Legende # 1), and Soirée de Vienne, #6 (after Schubert). The performer's choices and delivery of these lyrical works were not only excellent programming, but heartfelt in their presentation.

The final piece of the first half, the "Paraphrase on a Waltz from Gounod's Faust" left the audience speechless except for a multitude of "bravas!" Schrade not only navigated the Olympian technical difficulties of this piece at the end of a large set of works, but she adeptly manipulated a willing audience into dancing with her into the fantastic coda!

Intermission...

What could possibly follow this wide-ranging first tableau of Liszt offerings but one of the most powerful creations of the Romantic period? Rorianne Schrade delivered a thoroughly-prepared and soulfully-inspired interpretation of Liszt's enigmatic B Minor Sonata. The pianist was perfectly in tune with the dark and mysterious message of this profound work. Her effort was greeted with another standing ovation.

The Cranberry Coast will warmly welcome Rorianne Schrade on her return concert tour! Her upcoming performances include Wigmore Hall in London on September 30th and Carnegie Hall in New York City on October 23rd. For more information about Rorianne Schrade, her concerts and recordings, please visit www.rorianneschrade.com