Last night’s concert at Yongi University was an evening to remember (by Asiamarina)

Last night’s concert at Yongi University was an evening to remember.

From the first explosive notes of Granada it was obvious Mr. P was in top form, as he took us on a wild ride though an ambitious program mix from all three albums plus a few concert favorites. He was backed up by the almost 60 strong Mostly Philharmonic orchestra under the direction of a new and energetic conductor.

From Granada, Mr P moved into one of the most emotional, longing versions of Caruso I’ve heard. He never ceases to amaze on how he can take a favorite, like Caruso and yet make it even more intriguing and fresh by subtle changes in dynamics, tempo and coloring. Time to Say goodbye, was another gem and followed after a solo oboist performed a wonderful version of Nella Fantasia. With each succeeding piece, the audience was getting more and more enthusiastic. Brindisi brought rousing applause and laughs as Mr P and the guest soprano, weren’t quite able to the pull off the linked arm toast. But you’ll just have to wait to see for yourself, as KBS was taping the concert for later broadcast on TV. All too soon, it was intermission already! The concert was moving so quickly, even though in keeping with a seemingly unwritten rule, Mr. P tends to over deliver even with such a challenging program.

After intermission, Mr. P tried a slightly different approach for Un Giorno per Noi, one of Hans’ favorites. Previously, his performances showcased power, this time he started out quietly, longingly, to convey the bitter heartbreak of star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy. Magically, Mr P’s beautiful, quiet passages, filled that hall effortlessly, even with the orchestra following in complete support, then the voice rose together with the orchestra in a glorious final crescendo.

Next followed one of my favorites from the CP album, Il Gladiatore. Like, the fallen General Maximus in the movie, this rendition was a masterpiece of understated power. His regal delivery commands respect, as he scrapes up quiet dignity for questionable battles to the death, not for glory, but for gross entertainment. A stately, beautiful and captivating performance conveying so much more emotion… by holding back emotion, and then only to take out the all the stops at the end.

E Lucevan le Stelle is always a highpoint, something to look forward to and, last night, it was a masterpiece. It is fascinating to watch Mr. P as he turns into Cavaradossi, which may not be too far from the heroic, but ill-fated Gladiator. Time stops as the overture plays. Mr P looks down and you can feel the energy being sucked in as the orchestra continues the introduction. Then, when he looks up, it is as Cavaradossi. What follows is an incredible performance, only it didn’t seem like a performance. It was the real thing and it was right up there with some of the best.

Love Story is a song well suited to Mr P’s voice and it was spectacular. Parla piu Piano was supposed to be the last song and was a show stopper and brought deafening applause, but the crowd was even louder after Geumgang Mountain and I could hear various people in the audience singing quietly along. Sadly the final, now trademark piece, Nessun Dorma. No matter how many times I hear this aria, it is different with every performance. Still, it remains as breathtaking as the first time I heard it. Then, the unbelievable, the concert is over.

Afterwards, crowds gathered in the foyer for a signing. We waited, taking photos and laughing til our turn to get a few pics and chat. Mi Jeong, a rep from the record label, always super nice recognized us as well as the record label owners. Even Chris Taylor recognized us and said, “Hi” with a wave. But, as usual, the best greeting is, “Oh, no not you again!” Even so, I had to point out that at least some people were happy to see us. But I’ll get in trouble again, so best just to keep quiet. ;0) til the next time…if there was a way to go to the show tonight, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.