Dylan Keener Piano Recital Highlights
Dylan Keener recently performed his senior recital in Burckart Hall to a packed auditorium of family and friends. His recital featured composers ranging from Bach to Debussy and settings ranging from a classical piano quartet to a sacred duo. From beginning to end, Keener exhibited sensitive musicianship and outstanding preparation.
Keener’s recital was in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with concentrations in Church Music and Early Childhood Music. Keener’s piano professor, June Brus, highly praised Dylan’s performance, “From the first note to the last, Dylan led his audience on a captivating musical journey. His thoughtful preparation was evident as he revealed the beauty within each piece and shared the gift of his talent. Wonderful recital!”
Piano Sonata H. XVI: 27 I. Allegro con brio
Franz Joseph Haydn
Keener performs the first movement of this Classical sonata showcasing several musical surprises typical to the works of Haydn.
Pour le Piano, L. 95 II. Sarabande
Claude Debussy
Keener then plays the second movement from Claude Debussy’s Pour le Piano (“for the piano”) suite. From the Impressionist Era, this piece features intriguing harmonies created by Debussy’s use of quartal harmony—sequentially stacking intervals of a fourth.
Surrender
Traditional/Weeden, arr. by David J. Averbeck
Keener’s next solo combines the famous Indian tune, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” with Winfield Weeden’s hymn, “I Surrender All.” In elementary school, Keener studied with the arranger of this selection, David J. Averbeck, who passed on his love for music to Keener.
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
John Hughes, arr. Shelton Ridge Love and Shelly Hamilton
Accompanied by Charity Schmitz, Keener closed the program with an energetic rendition of the classic hymn, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” The arrangers masterfully alter the original 4/4 meter of the song into an upbeat 5/4 meter.