Russell Sherman, the revered American classical pianist, celebrated his 38th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Wha Kyung Byun, in a poignant and heartfelt two-piano performance. The event, held at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, not only commemorated their enduring union but also showcased their unwavering dedication to music and each other. In a touching display of devotion, the audience stood and cheered, and a multitude of well-wishers lined up backstage to extend their congratulations, creating an atmosphere of love and admiration that was nothing short of remarkable.
Both Russell Sherman and Wha Kyung Byun are esteemed faculty members at New England Conservatory, where they have shared their musical talents and expertise with generations of students. Their joint performance was a testament to their enduring partnership, both in marriage and in music.
Despite the adverse weather conditions and the looming threat of Hurricane Sandy, the concert hall was filled with eager attendees eager to witness this rare musical event. The sight of empty seats served as a testament to the unavoidable absence of those who may have been deterred by the inclement weather. Nevertheless, the evening was destined to be a memorable celebration of love, music, and enduring talent.
Russell Sherman, at the age of 82, may not have many full-blown recitals ahead of him, making this performance all the more precious. As he took the stage, he appeared alarmingly frail, leaning on his wife’s arm for support. However, appearances can be deceptive, as the music breathed new life into him. The evening commenced with a four-hand rendition of Schubert’s Divertissement a la Hongroise in G Minor. Wha Kyung Byun played the primo part with luminous elegance, while Russell Sherman accompanied her, gracefully taking a step back into the secundo background. As the music unfolded, Sherman’s vitality seemed to surge, culminating in a vigorous and joyous performance, marked by a beaming smile alongside his talented wife.
Schubert’s composition, with its delightful blend of Viennese melancholia and spirited gypsy and folk tunes, set the perfect tone for the evening. The second movement, Andante Con Moto, introduced a sentimental Hungarian flair reminiscent of Liszt’s Hungarian piano works, adding depth and richness to the performance. The final allegro in rondo form showcased Schubert’s skillful incorporation of themes from his “Hungarian Melody” D. 817, infusing the composition with Magyar exuberance that had Wha Kyung Byun tapping her foot while playing.
After a brief intermission, the duo turned their attention to Mahler’s 4th Symphony, a work of profound personal significance to both pianists. This transcription, a wedding gift received in 1974 from the late Korean-American composer Earl Kim, held sentimental value for the couple. As Russell Sherman explained in the program notes, it had remained a cherished but dormant piece of their musical repertoire for many years. It was an unspoken pledge between them that, eventually, it would spring to life, becoming a celebration of their enduring marriage.
Mahler’s 4th Symphony, arguably one of his most accessible and beloved works, unfolded with striking clarity and detail in this two-piano transcription. Russell Sherman, now in his element as the dominant pianist, breathed life into the symphony’s evocative opening with the sound of sleighbells cascading from the keyboard. His animated left hand danced in the air to the music’s ebbs and flows, reflecting his profound connection to the music.
In the second movement, where Mahler invokes “Freund Hein” (Friend Hal, or death) and calls for infernal accents from the orchestra, the transcription captured the depth of emotion with striking precision. The third movement, Poco Adagio, labeled Ruhevoll (peaceful), resonated as a true embodiment of its name, offering a canvas for Russell Sherman’s meticulous pedaling technique. He once wrote that the pedal “evokes the grave, the magical, the luminous,” and this sensitive pedaling served as the stairway to a musical heaven.
The final movement of Mahler’s 4th Symphony, drawing inspiration from “Des Knaben Wunderhorn,” featured the sublime and talented flutist Sooyun Kim. This movement, requiring a soprano in the original orchestral version, showcased Sooyun Kim’s artistry and the enchanting tones of her flute. The audience was transported to a world of musical enchantment as she graced the stage.
The performance concluded with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience, who were clearly captivated by the artistry, love, and passion displayed by Russell Sherman, Wha Kyung Byun, and Sooyun Kim. The trio returned to the stage for three curtain calls, and numerous floral bouquets were presented in appreciation of their extraordinary talents.
In many ways, this remarkable evening served as a testament to the enduring power of love, music, and the human spirit. Russell Sherman and Wha Kyung Byun’s celebration of their 38th wedding anniversary was a profound reminder of the magic that can be created through music and shared devotion. As they continue their musical journey together, their legacy of love and artistry will undoubtedly inspire generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music.