Czech improvisation wows!

The embassy of Czech Republic hosted their first piano concert on Saturday with a special guest in the capital. Despite the chill in the air the evening witnessed a fine gathering of music lovers and connoisseurs, ranging from Ambassadors to students, all coming together to savour and immerse themselves in an euphonious experience.

It gladdens the heart of any artist, and host, to have the audience eclipse the numbered chairs in the hall! Such was the fervour and anticipation of the evening. Warmly welcomed by the Ambassador, Milan Hovorka himself, along with his gracious wife, Jarmila Hovorka, the guests were seated and the show started at 7 pm sharp. First up, Steve Alexander was introduced by the ambassador as a young piano enthusiast. Alexander, remarkably, showed no signs of nerves and played boldly, leaving the audience mesmerised by his steady and confident fingers on the piano at such a tender age.

Next, the star of the evening, Jana Chaudhuri, was introduced, along with her husband Debashish Chaudhuri, to a room already reverberating with applause. Jana is regarded as one of the most accomplished Czech pianist. She has performed at numerous concerts all over Europe, China and North America and is a professor of Piano studies at the International Conservatory of Prague.

Together this melodic couple of a Pianist and a Maestro showcased the works of some of the most famous European composers of the 19th century from across the important centres of music of that time – Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Paris and Moscow. An amazing story-teller, Debashish beautifully introduced the audience to the different preludes that Jana played dexterously on the piano with a portrait of the Prague castle in the background. Jana's first rendition was 'Fantasy', composed by the father of Czech Music, Bedrich Smetana.

The mood of the melody was poignant and flowed effortlessly. Various other pieces comprising of several scales, C Sharp Minor, G Major, some technically difficult pieces and some ever loved and delicate ones followed through the evening. Jana was magical on the piano making us wonder how just two colours, ivory and black, create such wholeness without a complete orchestra.

As the evening inched towards a magnificent conclusion, the warm hospitality of the Ambassador Hovorka left the Delhi audience yearning for more.

Music lovers in the city will be eagerly awaiting the next musical offering from Czechoslovakia as the graceful career diplomat Hovorka sweetly said, "We Czechs are the Masters of Improvisations!"