Two pianos, two flutes, two brothers

I was supposed to be at Carnegie Hall last night for a performance by the Choir of Trinity Wall Street — along with the Trinity Youth Chorus, Washington Chorus, Washington National Cathedral Choir of Boys and Girls and Novus NY(!) From that very crowded stage we were to hear Ginastera’s Turbae ad Passionem Gregorianam and the Symphony No. 4 by Charles Ives.

What, you don’t know the Ginastera? Well, you're not alone. I've never heard it and couldn't find a recording on Spotify, iTunes or amazon. To call it an unknown twentieth-century gem would not be an exaggeration, though of course its status as a gem remains, to me at least, uncertain.

But I love choral music and was looking forward to it. My friend Cathy, a Yale tutor, was going with me.

The weather gods had other plans. They sent another eight inches of snow our way, followed by a topping of ice, so I decided not to trek into the city.

I went instead to the local city, New Haven, where one of Ransom’s students was performing his degree recital. As you can imagine, I've heard quite a few flute recitals in my day, but this one was particularly good. Jake Fridkis plays beautifully and is talented enough that he should have a major career ahead of him. He’s also handsome and a hell of a nice guy — qualities that can only boost his career.

The photo -- sorry for the quality -- shows the stage in Morse Recital Hall. The second piano was not in use and I’ve always wished they would move it off stage when not needed, but it tends to sit there.

The second flute was very much needed and the person playing that flute, on your left, is Gabe Fridkis, Jake’s younger brother. Gabe is currently at SUNY Purchase, where Ransom has worked with him. In fact Ransom conducted Gabe in the Ibert concerto back in November and, I can tell you, there’s a lot of talent in that family. It was a beautiful performance.

Last night Gabe and Jake shared the stage to play the Rigoletto Fantasy by Franz and Karl Doppler — another set of brothers. It was enchanting and the music’s beauty was heightened by the sight of these siblings, who obviously love each other very much, playing so well together. I couldn't help but think of my brother and wonder what kind of music we might have made together if ours had been a musical family.

Jake also played sonatas by Brahms and Richard Strauss and a Romance by Saint-Saëns. It was an excellent recital and I will cherish the memory of the emotional highpoint, Jake and Gabe smiling and playing together.