I’d been trying for some time to bring David Leisner to Oberlin and we were fortunate that this season, circumstances finally made it possible. David is a long-time fixture in our world, having been a major teaching presence (both at New England Conservatory and, currently, Manhattan School of Music), a prolific composer, and a concertizing guitarist for many decades. He brought his unique brand of exuberant musicianship and serious pedagogy in a mix that gave the students plenty to work on and think about.

David Leisner on the Kulas Recital Hall stage

His program opened with two Bach favorites, a Sarabande and an Allemande. (Full program at the end of the post). He then directed our attention to the thread of connection between his remaining selections, that all the pieces had some connection to folk music. Duarte’s English Suite proved the point handily. This work, a mainstay on concert programs in the 1970’s and 80’s, was a pleasure to hear again. Leisner followed with three of Mertz’s Schubert lieder arrangements, played with sensitivity and care. From there, he led us to an original composition, one of his Freedom Fantasies. This work was full of inventive rhythms and creative silences, and made for great listening.

A variations set by the little-known composer Richard Winslow followed. This was an impressive work, with plenty of colors and changes to keep it interesting. I hope to hear it again.

David ended with Mertz’s chestnut, Fantasie Hongroise, a work Leisner played with animation, control, and obvious pleasure. The ample audience responded warmly. For an encore, he offered Dyens’ arrangement of Felicidad.

We had a terrific master class the next day. First up was Sara Baunoch. She played Brouwer’s Un Dia De Noviembre.

Next was Solis Dornan, who played Barrios’ Madrigal Gavota.

Following Solis, Caden Basile played Dyens’ Songe Capricorne.

Josie Stone was next, with a return to Barrios, this time with the dance, Maxixe.

Aleksandr Lapshin played next. He presented the Capriccio Diabolico of Castelnuovo-Tedesco.

Aleksandr Lapshin performs for David Leisner

Our last performer of the day was Sam Schollenberger. Sam played Bach’s Allegro Assai from the third violin Sonata.

Sam Schollenberger gets a lesson from David Leisner

The class was full of excellent advice on both technique and interpretation. David was careful to make each lesson on a different aspect of our art so the class covered lots of territory. The students were held to a high standard, but were offered generous praise and encouragement. In all, it was an excellent class.