Thai Pianist Dr. Orn Plays at the Siam Society Bangkok

Siam Society. Bangkok, Thailand. August 8, 2012. Very pretty Thai pianist Dr. Orn Pornphan Banternghansa is typical of the younger generation of pianists who play so very well, so musically, that an evening with them is guaranteed to be an enjoyable listening experience, one well worth the effort to get to the concert venue and pay the cost of the ticket. To their credit, these pianists know how to put together a varied and interesting program, usually consisting of not only well-known pieces from the classical repertory, but also some not so familiar works from less frequently performed composers. In Dr. Orn's August 8 recital at Bangkok's Siam Society auditorium, the program opened with Beethoven's Waldstein, a staple of world recital stages if ever there was one, and then proceeded to Spanish composer Federico Mompou's Scenes d'Enfant. The stark contrast between these two works is a testament to the endless variety of musical experiences that inhabit the world of classical music. Following the intermission, Dr. Orn returned to the 19^th century with performances of Brahms' Klavierstuck Op. 118, a set of my favorite short piano works, and then Liszt's fiery Rhapsody Espagnole, which provided Dr. Orn with an opportunity to show her very good technique.