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The Washington Post PERFORMING ARTS Eric Himy Recital - Valses Nobles et Sentimentales (1911); Miroirs (1904-05); Sonatine (1903-05); Gaspard de la Nuit (1908); Prélude (1913); Pavane pour une Infante Défunte (1899); Jeux d'Eau (1901); La Valse (1919-20) Matching the sense of sophistication, boldness and unequaled genius inherent in Maurice Ravel's compositions can be daunting for a performer. Friday night at the French Embassy, pianist Eric Himy proved himself worthy of the challenge, enchanting his audience with an inspiring recital of some of Ravel's most beautiful and difficult works. Drawn from the poetry of Aloysius Bertrand, "Gaspard de la Nuit" is commonly held to be one of the most demanding piano works ever written, with its nearly impossible finger work adding to the sensitive task of articulating enigmatic literary ideas. Himy left no doubt of his musical prowess, effortlessly expressing every one of Ravel's complex harmonies and unique musical forms in the mysterious opening movement, "Ondine." His mastery of the piece continued, his multidimensional personality shining through in the hypnotic middle section, "Le Gibet," and in the chilling finale, "Scarbo." Himy followed "Gaspard" with four short pieces, including the playful "Jeux d'Eau." Closing the program was "La Valse," a tumultuous homage to Viennese waltz master Johann Strauss. Revealing yet another facet of his talent, Himy performed his own arrangement of the composition, which had been only vaguely transcribed for solo piano from orchestra by Ravel and the finale to this tremendous recital would not be tarnished, as he handled the ending with infallible power and intensity. --Chris Jasko |