Niah Malmanger Piano Recital Highlights
This semester, Niah Malmanger performed her Senior Piano Recital in Burckart Hall. Her recital featured works from various eras and composers including Scarlatti, Haydn, Grieg, and Bartok. Throughout her performances, she displayed her years of dedication to music at Maranatha through her technical precision and musical touch.
“Niah has worked so diligently to develop her talent,” commented Niah’s piano professor, June Brus, after the recital. “This was more than evident as she performed a delightful senior recital, revealing the beauty beyond the notes of each piece.”
Malmanger gave her recital to fulfill the requirements of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. After graduation, she plans to teach music and lead a choir in a public school.
Holburg Suite: III. Gavotte, IV. Air
Edvard Grieg
This Norwegian suite is one of the earliest examples of neo-classicism in the Romantic era. Niah performed two movements from the suite. The dancelike Gavotte contains joyful melodic conversations, while the mournful Air opens in a minor key before ending with sweet, major-key harmonies.
Sonata in F Major K. 438
Domenico Scarlatti
Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti composed 555 keyboard sonatas. He wrote most of these sonatas in two-part form and added many Baroque elements to them. This sonata keeps the listeners attentive with its fast melodic line and large left-hand leaps.
Mercy
Craig Courtney
To conclude the program, Malmanger performed alongside a fifteen-person choir. The piece features the Greek words “Kyrie eleison,” which means “Lord, have mercy.” While we do not deserve God’s love, He displays His mercy through His everlasting love and His offer of salvation to all who call upon Him.