[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts music review of Faliks & Cani Piano and Violin Duo at The Athena Foundation for the Arts 2023 Spring Concert Series.
It was the second time, in a month, that I returned to the Community Auditorium located at the Church of Scientology of the Valley, known for its acoustical excellence. The second time hearing the powerful and melodic playing of Inna Faliks, and my first time hearing the violinist, Roberto Cani. The event was billed as Faliks *Cani Piano & Violin Duo. I would call it a marriage of musical dexterity, virtuosity, and passion; the marriage of piano and violin.
Each stage of this melodic relationship is represented in the pieces chosen. Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. * in G major, engages us in the courtship of these two instruments. One phrase is played and then answered back. At times, both voices speak as one and then dance away from each other in a dizzying circle of beauty and elegance. The second piece chosen was Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in G. This energetic piece gave the feeling of play courtship and the counter melodies gave chase. The thunderous arpeggios by Faliks and the dynamic plucking of the violin strings brought the house down. Masterful, enrapturing and harmonious are the words that raced to my head at its conclusion.
After a brief intermission, we were treated to the final piece, Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major. The back and forth elevated the room to a place of full attention so as to not miss a note, as if we could. The way Cani caresses the strings and the rapid movement of the fret hand kept me in suspense. Faliks piano laid the foundation and drove the piece through valleys of silence between the wondrous notes. It was a familiar piece but played to a heightened energy and skill that the notes seemed to pass through the room from ear to ear.
What a delight to be present for this short performance. Twice smitten by Inna Faliks and my first encounter with Roberto Cani was a true gift from performer to audience. Brava and Bravo. Now, if I just get invited a third time…
The Athena Foundation for the Arts | Inna Faliks | Roberto Cani