RECENT REVIEWS, IMPRESSIONS, AND REACTIONS

Max Stern, The Jerusalem Post, Wed. June 20, 2001

"...One of Israel's and the World's most valuable musical treasures -- the brilliant concert pianist Rami Bar-Niv." "This extraordinary pianist is simply without peer in a highly competitive profession illuminated by a galaxy of shining stars. Listening to Mr. Bar-Niv is unquestionably one of the most rewarding and pleasurable musical experiences we have ever been blessed to have in over 30 years of attending such concerts." "...I heard one gentleman tell Mr. Bar-Niv after the concert, "You are the greatest!"

Lois Morris, Observer-Dispatch, Wed. July 13, 2001

"THE NORTHERN ADVOCATE" THURSDAY APRIL 8TH 1999, Whangarei

One of Israel's foremost pianists, Bar-Niv is in demand not only for solo recitals but also for chamber music and as soloist with orchestras. He has an enviable international reputation, and his highly successful concert career includes regular performances in Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Bar-Niv's fine sense of musicianship and technical mastery of his instrument were evident from the beginning. This power of performance is complemented by composing, and the artist began the programme with two of his own pieces. The expressive Prayer and Dance provided the opportunity for his musical sensitivity to shine, with the spirituality of the Prayer contrasting well with the rhythmic element of the Dance, and the dynamic character of the following Toccata.

Mozart's piano works require careful attention to stylistic detail: albeit with a whisper of rubato, classical delicacy of control was apparent in Bar-Niv's performance of the F Major Sonata - from the sparkle of the first movement and the lyrical charm of the adagio to the brilliance of the rondo. Such classical elegance was a preface to the enchantment of Chopin's Nocturne in C sharp minor - a beautiful interpretation of this haunting piece. The first half of the programme closed with another Chopin work - the heroic Polonaise in A flat major, a passionate example of the nationalistic side of Chopin's character. His piano music demands a flawless touch, brilliant technique and discreet use of rubato. In Bar-Niv's hands, these demands were well met: with a wide range of colour; the piece became the epitome of the grand style.

After the interval, versatility of repertoire received further focus. Bar-Niv's interpretation of Gershwin is justifiably a popular part of his programme, and the second half was devoted to that composer - a feast for Gershwin lovers. A personal rendition of the Three Preludes began the selection, followed by a blend of well known melodies. The much loved Summertime from Porgy and Bess preceded the final item, Rhapsody in Blue - the superb performance of this piece drawing a standing ovation for the artist. Two encores followed, to the delight of the enthusiastic audience. Bar-Niv's charm and humor had pervaded the evening's performance.

Ann Kerton

From: Steve Chou, chous@clear.net.nz
To: sonata, sonata@egroups.com
Date: Monday, July 03, 2000 3:26 PM
Subject: musical earthquake

O.K. Rotorua is in the earthquake zone, but on Saturday night, it was an earthquake of a different kind caused by a short, bald superman, you all know who he is. This happened in the Red Cross Benefit concert which Rami played. 350-400 attended, incl. our mayor, MP(=senator), president of Red Cross NZ and other dignitaries.
Next day I was inundated with phone calls by friends which I can summarise:
1. They have never heard anything like that, power, romantic flamboyance, tenderness (in Chopin nocturne) and beautiful touch. Thrilling was the word, overwhelmed...
2. Some said he played like Rubinstein whom some heard many years ago.
These were remarks from friends who are professional or amateur pianists.

Steve Chou

Date: Tue, 30 May 2000
From: "Mary E. Trawick", jeri1@bellsouth.net
To: piano-L@uamont.edu

Rami,
I just listened to your beautiful performance of the Grieg A Minor concerto. Your performance is most inspiring. Thank you for giving such a fine performance and sharing it.

From: "David K. Lee", djmmlee@micron.net
To: sonata@egroups.com
Date: Tue, 23 May 2000
Subject: [sonata] Bar-Niv bedazzles Boise

Rami Bar-Niv captivated a Boise audience with power, precision, and technique that created a stunning artistic presentation. The strong applause which had followed each piece from the beginning turned into a prolonged standing ovation.

David Lee

From: "patricia a blissenbach", pab@inreach.com
To: Piano-L@uamont.edu
Subject: Salon Concert
Date: Thu, 25 May 2000

It has been a week since we hosted a salon concert for Rami Bar-Niv in our home, and I am still basking in the glow of marvelous music he produced for our audience. He put on a thrilling performance for a full house here. The professor of piano from the university and a member of the California Music Teachers Association were in attendance. When Rami is before an audience he brings out the best in the music as well as a personality that engages the audience and enhances his performance.

The audience was visibly energized by our talented performer who's dazzling pianistic skills brought a standing ovation. The ambience of the setting sun behind him and his musical wizardry went together to create a magical evening that touched the hearts and imaginations in our little corner of the world.

Patty B-bach

From: "Stephen Best", sbest@borg.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 07
Subject: Another recital!

Rami Bar-Niv makes an eagerly awaited return visit to First Church, where his previous recital ranked among the most exceptional programs heard in this location.

Bar-Niv's recital will remain forever etched in my memory as one of the all time great recitals I've ever attended, and I've been to hundreds of them! He is truly an international artist of the highest order. When Bar-Niv played Busoni's monumental transcription of the organ Toccata in C, I was immediately struck by how much we, who are organist, could learn from his extraordinary interpretation.

Best from Steve

From: MUSEFISH@aol.com
Date: Thu, 4 May 2000
Subject: Rami's Schumann and Grieg Concerto CD's
To: Piano-L@uamont.edu

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that I took my first MP3 plunge and bought two of Rami's CD's. I got the Schumann and Grieg Concerto CDs. Let me just say that they are fabulous. First of all Rami's playing is superb, absolutely world class. His interaction with the orchestra is also incredible. They are of one mind. The way Rami knows just how to blend when he needs to and when to be out front is really exceptional. His solo parts are emotional yet fully controlled with beautiful tone and phrasing. I thought all of you out there on the Piano-L list should know about these CD's. If you haven't gotten to check them out yet I would highly recommend purchasing them.

Scott Fishkind

From: Kristina Turechek, turechkw@snyoneva.cc.oneonta.edu
To: PNO-PED-L@www2.colstate.edu
Sent: Saturday, June 10, 2000 9:37 AM
Subject: [ped] Re: Rami's Utica performance

Hope it's OK to post this "review" of Rami's performance last night in Utica, NY.
First, we all had a great time - performer and, thus, audience, (which gave him at least 3 standing ovations). Rami plays with the freedom, energy, excitement and emphasis of a jazz musician, but he does not "play down" to his audience. His freedom comes from his mastery of the keyboard. Musically, he has plenty to say and an individual way of saying it. The drama with which he invests the music helps the listener to perceive the composer's intentions. I particularly liked the way his hands spoke to each other. By the way, this fellow is not attached to the piano seat!
His performance of Beethoven's "Appassionata" was deeply felt and moving. Rami is a man who is doing exactly what he is supposed to be doing in this life, making joyful music. His joy communicates directly to his audience and makes us feel joyful, too.
Rami's four rags were a lot of fun to hear. Some day I'd like to hear his "Israeli" music.

Kristina Turechek

The Rotorua "DAILY POST" wrote on July 3 2000:

Rami Bar-Niv established himself as strong musical personality who puts his own stamp on everything he plays. His finger-work in the Bach-Busoni BVW564 was powerful and deliberate. With Chopin, a composer with whom he has good affinity, there was plenty of insight and subtle shading. He ended the evening with four of hisown rags, all quite different and with witty pianistic elaborations, but still with the compelling rhythms which makes ragtime so appealing.

From: AlanD, aland@casa.co.nz
To: Singleton Roy RXS, roy.singleton@bellgully.com; Steve Chou
chous@clear.net.nz; Yair Barniv, ybarniv@yahoo.com
Cc: Neil McKelvie, NEMCC@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU; Kathie Faricy, kmfaricy@uswest.net
Date: Thursday, July 06, 2000 8:44 AM
Subject: Rami - Gone, but not forgotten

Rami's Wellington concert last evening was a great success. The audience were rewarded musically, entertained, informed and engaged by the friendly and personal commentary Rami delivered before each set/piece. This in a well constructed and balanced programme AND the Oxfam Ethiopia Water Project was better off. A win-win situation. The audience included some senior "musical people", the Mexico Ambassador etc. Together with the Concert FM radio interview on Tuesday and the Jewish Community Concert, Rami is now recognised by the "establishment" here.

Kind regards - AlanD

From: maurice.einhorn@medim.be
To: ybarniv@yahoo.com
Subject: MP3.com viewer email

Dear artist, This is the first time I hear your "Prayer". It certainly is a great piece of music. Shalom.

Maurice Einhorn (Belgium)

From: Albert Frantz, albert.frantz@chello.at
To: piano-l@uamont.edu, piano-l@uamont.edu
Date: Friday, July 14, 2000 8:22 AM
Subject: Hat's off!

Greetings,
I just got done listening to list member Rami Bar-Niv's spectacular arrangement of the Rhapsody in Blue!: www.mp3.com/ramibarniv I'm positively thrilled by Rami's performance.
Congratulations, Rami!

Albert Frantz

Subject: Your Concert
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000
From: Lyuri@aol.com

Thank you so much for the spectacular concert!! We enjoyed it tremendously.
In this concert there were two moments that I felt as though your source and skill brought the harmonics of higher spiritual energy twice. In both cases, my soul was so uplifted, I wanted to cry. To experience that joy, and release anything that did not fit that joy. The first was the first piece of Anna Magdalena Bach and the second your Chopin encore.
It really amazes me how your interpretation is so fine for each composer. It is though you step into their genius and convey their message with completed integrity.
What a privilege it is to hear you!!
Many blessings to you!

Lyu

Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001
From: Korn�ld Music fjbcd@online.no
Subject: Re: MP3.com viewer email

Hello Rami !
Thank you for submitting a great Mozart-performance ! I have really enjoyed it, and I am happy to include this sonata on the "A Sonata Station".

mamodaro@tin.it writes:

March 23, 2001
Ciao Rami, it's Marco Modaro ,I'm listening to your impressive music.
As a pianist and as a composer you're absolutely brilliant.

May 10, 2001
Ciao Rami, great piece and brilliant performing.
Tonite, I will include it in my PIANOCOMPOSERS station
Congrats,
Marco

From: nibiryukov@newmail.ru
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 8:25 PM
To: Rami Bar-Niv, Concert Pianist
Subject: An MP3.com Fan has sent you an email!

Dear Mr. Bar-Niv,
I hope you won�t find it presumptuous on the part of an accomplished dilettante to say that I have been quite impressed by your performance of Saint-Saens� Piano Concerto and Dvorak�s Quintet. I have greatly enjoyed Shostakovich� Concerto, too. (Please, pass my thanks to Mr. Tal Bar-Niv for his part in it.) I am looking forward to Grieg and Schumann now.
Your Dance, Prayer and Toccata happen to be of personal sentimental, not only of artistic value to me...In anticipation of new delights from you, truly yours, Nikolai Biryukov (Russia)

From: Korn�ld Music, fjbcd@online.no
To: "Bar-Niv", Bar-Niv@zahav.net.il
Subject: Re: MP3.com viewer email
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 12:40:45 +0200

Dear Rami,
I am glad to tell you that I've included two of your performances on my stations : "A Classical Review" and "A Classical Music Station". I am so happy having been listening to this - you are a very complete musician in my ears/heart !
I feel honored to have "met" you in this way!
With very best regards from Fred Jonny (still having Grieg's piano concerto from your record repeating in my head)

This is a review written on BBs: Rami Bar-Niv - "Rhapsody in Blue"

If you like astounding piano playing and are also a fan of Gershwin, then you are in for a huge treat. Rami kept me mesmerized during the 16 minute tome of a piece of music.... I would call it salt-of-the-earth classical the mr. Gershwin has given to us. couple that brilliant composer's masterwork with a pianist who has a magical touch....has the ability to interpret this simple yet extremely complex (make sense?) with the ease of a wizard....well, you just gotta hear it. you should hear it.... this passes my driving test with flying colors. i've enjoyed a complete listen to Rami's "Rhapsody in Blue" about 10 times so far and each listening is a mini-adventure into the mind of the composer and into the mind of the player. beautiful....well recorded as well. this is a keeper.

kurt

Your CD has given me such pleasure! (Rhapsody in Blue + several rags and other things.)
Thank you.
Nancy R. Burstein
Abt Associates Inc.
55 Wheeler Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

nancy_burstein@abtassoc.com

From: ARossien@aol.com
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 11:05:58 EST

I received the video. Thank you so much for sending it. I have played it so many times I might wear it out and have to get a new one. I am truly enjoying watching your hand and of course I also enjoy the music.

Anita

From: chao@globe.com
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 14:24:06 -0500

Rami,
I received the video and am learning much...
I enjoy your CD as well...

Jennifer Chao

Subject: An MP3.com Fan has sent you an email!
hi, Your site is one of the most satisfying: excellent music and marvellous artists! I'm from austria and I always come back to Your site, because it's interesting and entertaining (in the best sense of the word!) all the best

jakob klivinyi, jakob.klivinyi@aon.at

...the event ended with all in the concert hall for a closing concert which featured performances of pieces in the Anna Magdalena Notebook. Rami Bar-Niv was our guest artist. These AMB pieces literally dance out of his fingers. This was a huge success.

Linda K, pianolk@aol.com

I just heard you play your Toccata for Piano (commemorating peace with Egyptian) on Qol Yisrael radio. I found the composition so emotionally and intellectually pleasing that I wanted to let you know. Your playing impressed me as technically precise and expressive. Bravo!

Yisrael van Handel, marketing and sales consultant,
Tech-Tav Documentation Ltd,
Jerusalem, Israel, yvh@tech-tav.com

I am carefully watching a young Israeli pianist named Rami Bar-Niv. He is on the level of Murry Perahia, possibly more expressive and sensitive, but not in a romantic way. He is also a first-rate composer in a style that I don't have a name for yet, but is supremely musical. We should keep an eye out for his performances. In the meantime, you can listen to his music at http://www.mp3.com/ramibarniv.

Yisrael van Handel

Subject: Concert worth attending!
Hi everyone:
I can hardly wait for tomorrow evening's piano recital by Rami Bar-Niv. When I first heard him three years ago, I was totally unprepared for the artistry of this great virtuoso. Widely regarded as one of Israel's finest concert pianists, Bar-Niv performs all over the world, receiving rave reviews from such diverse sources as the NEW YORK TIMES, SALISBURY (England) HERALD, BERLINER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG, and hundreds of others too numerous to mention. The programs I've heard him play rank among the best recitals I've ever heard...regardless of the medium... DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

Best from Steve, sbest@borg.com

Dear Rami,
I am listening to you a lot. I have your Toccata, Rhapsody in Blue and White, Prayer, Dance, and rags. You are an important composer. Your lyric and melodic capabilities exceed those of any major modern composer since Stravinsky, your music has very satisfying depth and expressiveness. I can listen to your Toccata every single day and never get tired of it. That puts it in the same category as Bach's Goldberg Variations. As far as I am concerned, there are only two important composers of ragtime: Scott Joplin and Rami Bar Niv (yes, I have heard others, they are not in the same ball park).

In short, I hope you will find time to continue composing. There is no contradiction between being a performer and a composer (compare Rachmaninov, Paganini, etc.). You don't have to write "large" music to be a major composer (compare Chopin). And unlike most modern composers (Shoenberg, Hindemith, Britten, Phillip Glass, John Cage, etc.), you write music that is lyric, appealing, easy to listen to, and doesn't require a Ph.D. in musicology to understand. I listen to Hindemith a lot, because I enjoy the structure and depth of his music, but he is missing the musical quality that you have.

With all best wishes,
Yisrael van Handel, director of marketing, Active Cool Ltd.

Washington DC singer, Jerome Barry, wrote to Rami after Rami's DC recital on Feb 13, 2002:
"You were sensational!! what a marvelous evening."

Posted on the "Piano-List" October 24, 2002:
Rami played with his expected brilliance. Two attendees worth noting were Leonid Hambro and Leopold Godowsky III (grandson of the great pianist, and George Gershwin's nephew as well). HE enjoyed Rami's "Rhapsody in Blue", as did everyone else.
Yes, photos were taken of the Piano-L group in the post-concert get-together. There should have been one taken of the standing ovation at the end (though I'm sure Rami would say "They were just standing up to go home!". No, it was genuine.) Bravo Rami!

Neil McKelvie, nemcc@cunyvm.cuny.edu

Subject: Your incredible concert at Mannes
Dear Rami,
I'm still shaking my head over my great good fortune in having heard you last night at Mannes. Really, I don't think anyone could play the piano any better!
My very best wishes and deepest thank you. You do the world much good by giving your genius and love.
Here is a funny fact perhaps: I've never written a fan letter of any sort to anyone, but now that's ancient history!

Sincerely,
Ben Goldstein, ben@endpoint.com

Thanks for the music. Piano music is my favorite and Jerry and I had a very wonderful breakfast today along with Rami's concert. What a wonderful treat.
Rami you played some of my favorite music and Jerry and I will be customers also. Ah, the beauty of a concert for breakfast.
After reviewing the critics comments I agree with them and think he's even more brilliant than the accolades we read. I just love the strength of his interpretations they're thrilling.

Phyllis and Jerry Frank, jerryphyllisf@mindspring.com

Dear Mr. Bar-Niv,
I did listen to your CD of the Grieg and Schumann concertos, and was much impressed.

Dean Joel Lester, Mannes College of Music, NY

Reviews/Reactions/Responses/Impressions of Rami Bar-Niv's concerts in NZ, Summer 2003.

Wendy Floyd of Christchurch, wendy.floyd@ihug.co.nz, wrote to me:
Your recital last night was profoundly moving. I have just listened to your 'Anna Magdalena' and am enchanted. I have to tell you I find it very hard to be moved, musically - I guess I have some strange ideas. I wish I had been able to hear you play your previous recitals, but look forward to hearing you when next you venture to NZ. Thank you for last night.

And then she wrote to the Internet Piano-List and Piano-Pedagogy-List: It was a totally stunning night.
An unusual programme with mostly music written by Rami. The prayer and dance which opened the programme were very beautiful, and very timely, (they are to do with peace). And we all appreciated his rundown of some of things to listen for in his Rhapsody in Blue and White. Then the change in pace as he played four rags, the first three of which he pointed out would make a sonata - quick, slow, quick. I really like these. They were fun, with some wonderfully complex rhythms. And Rami ended with his arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue. Brilliant. Then Rami played a hauntingly beautiful Chopin (posthumous) nocturne. I enjoyed the night more than I can say. Rami has a marvellous way with phrasing, a delicacy of touch and an astounding ability to extract a huge sound from a Steinway without making it look or sound like an assault.

Christopher Buch wrote a review in the 2.8.03 Nelson Mail about the Motueka recital: Pianist has infectious enthusiasm.
Prokofiev was brilliantly played...Chopin brought out the colour in both performer and audience alike...Chopin was majestic and introspective...Rigoletto was volcanic in its virtuosity. The most enjoyable works on the programme were those composed by Bar-Niv himself. His genius and wit went far beyond actual performance. The Elegant combination of traditional Israeli songs and the national anthem gave the Rhapsody a recognisable quality, leaving the listener with a desire to at once hear it again. Bar-Niv left us smiling as he ended with 4 of his own rags...It was interesting to see what started out as such a rigid, serious professional during the majority of the recital all of a sudden soften while explaining the inspiration of these works, with a childlike glee that was infectious. Last night performance was truly unique, and a feather in the cap of the Motueka Music Group.

Ron & Carol O'Reilly of Christchurch, r.oreilly@netaccess.co.nz, wrote: Ron and I thoroughly enjoyed Rami's concert. He is a wonderful pianist, and plays so excitingly. We enjoyed the programme. I especially liked the toccata, and the Rhapsody in Blue, and the Sephardic Melody. Rami is a charming emcee as well. All in the audience thought he was excellent, and some bought his music afterward: Chopin, his own compositions, and a couple tapes with a mixture of his works.

Steve Chou of Rotorua, chous@clear.net.nz, reported to the Piano-List and the Yahoo-Sonata-Egroup on the Internet: Rami started his concert tour of NZ 30/July in S.Island where he gave 2 concerts, but I wasn't there. Then he came to stay with me from 2/Aug to start his N.Island tour, all-told 6 concerts for which I drove him around clocking 1800 km. He played 3 different programs from works by Haydn, Chopin, Liszt, Prokofiev, Villa Lobos, Gershwin, Gunther-Sprecher and his own compositions. He started off at our Mayor's reception/soiree in which he performed Haydn piano concerto in D Maj. with 4 local string players, then his song cycle of the Holocaust - "Longing for my Father" based on poems by Jacob Barzilai, altogether, seven songs, sung by 4 local singers plus a flutist. Next day he gave a recital at our concert chamber, and 4 days later a house concert. An interesting event for me as well as for him was to go to Waiheke Island, a 40 min. ferry sail from Auckland. There in an art museum with a collection of pianos and other musical instruments, Rami performed on a 9 ft. Bechstein grand left by Paderewski in NZ after his tour down-under in 1914. From the 6 concerts I attended, the tour was a great success as judged by the number of audience, ecstatic response, and standing ovations, which are very rarely seen here. In a word, his performance was infectious, passionate, stirring, moving... these were critic's words as well as audiences'.

The Daily Post, Rotorua (Hanno Fairburn), August 2003:
Splendidly entertaining mixture... an impressive Chopin style... His own tuneful compositions, the colourful "Rhapsody in Blue and White" and four rags which he played with an infectious lilt.

The Taupo Weekender, August 14, 2003, Entertainment - out 'n about By Vivienne Sands:

Rami's performance thrills audience

Hobie Morris, POB 272, Brookfield, NY 13314, June 26, 2006:

Rami Bar-Niv in Concert, June 9, 2006