Fresno Pacific University, McDonald Hall Atrium, 4:00 PM
Reflections on From Alpha to Omega by Daphne Saul
…Dancing around the house with our teen-aged girls as their dad plays the piano.
…Watching as Walter plays one of the preludes and fugues with his LEFT HAND ALONE. (I could not believe this until I saw it!)
… Melting with joy as I listen to the Chopinesque “Prelude C# Minor,” a piece which has been wildly popular in many circles, and performed twice in Carnegie Hall, along with other pieces by Walter. I also remember Walter’s dad, who dearly loved this prelude.
… Laughing at the musical jokes, like the prelude that was written to encourage our girls to practice their scales on the piano, or the times that Walter suddenly breaks out into pop music or jazz.
… Solemnly remembering the shock of 9/11 when the final prelude begins.
As I listen to Walter practice and prepare for his September 8 concert, From Alpha to Omega, these are the memories that flood my mind. This is truly an extraordinary set of preludes and fugues in every major and minor key. I’m hoping to see many of my friends there. Recordings will be available at the concert. Individual tracks may also be downloaded through waltersaul.com. But hearing and seeing the whole program live, played by the composer, is an experience you will treasure.