Riyad Nicolas, a renowned Syrian pianist, visited Lewis on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to enlighten students about the beauty of Syrian culture. He dedicated his program to Syrian composers, “these compositions are particularly close to my heart, and I feel honored to share them with you this evening, ” opened Nicolas. During each piece, the passion from Nicolas was evident in the way he played. He breathed and moved with each note while deeply feeling each rhythm.
His first piece was three movements, and between each one there was an immovable silence in the room. No one moved or made a sound as Nicolas lined his hands back up on the keys to continue playing. The movements reflected each other in the melodies and harmonies, but especially in the ornamentation—an addition of notes to make the piece more pleasing to the ear. But this necessary addition contributed to the overall mood of the piece.
The pieces that Nicolas chose were representative of unity and love but also destruction and melancholy. There was a lot of dissonance, which is tension or clash resulting in the combination of two disharmonious notes, which may lead to something sounding “wrong” or like it shouldn’t have happened, in the harmonies and the overall tone of each piece was reverent, but also longing. The audience was at the edge of their seats waiting for the resolve of the cords, which is what makes these melodies so special because it forces a close ear and patience.
Nicolas was born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1989. He travels the world playing concerts while also teaching piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. A large factor of the night was shedding light on the turmoil in the middle east. He really wanted to show the beauty of Syria through music from before it was destroyed while also acknowledging and telling a story about the people who were affected by war.
His final piece was a Russian classical but is known as a parody to another piece by Chopin. Nicolas explained, “it begins with a nostalgic melody leading to a dramatic, nostalgic climax followed by a resistant finish.” The piece was entwined with joy and sadness, perfectly reflecting a typical journey through life while presenting the audience with unity and an acknowledgement of how everyone can come together to enjoy music.
The entire concert showcased Nicolas’s passion for the piano and his country, and it was a great privilege to showcase him in the Convocation Hall.
Phot Credits: Matthew Carlson
