University of Virginia Library

Impeccable Timing

I found Miss Arce's sense of
timing impeccable, and this was
consistent throughout the program.
The Bach had all the brilliance of a
master craftsman's knowledge,
brought to bear just as Bach noted:
espressivo. It was a shock to some
when they realized that Miss Arce
sings her music as she is playing.
This was less apparent in the Bach
than in later items in her program.
Coloration and technique blended
perfectly in Bach's Italian
Concerto.

Beethoven's Sonata in C Major,
Opus 2, No.3 followed, and
received equally careful attention
from Miss Arce. I particularly like
the approach she uses in that it is
not overly mannered, not
romanticisized, but full of life. Miss
Arce opts for briskness without loss
of clarity. She has a good concept
of an audience, who warmed to her
throughout the evening.

Chopin's Sonata No.3, in B
minor, Opus 58 proved Miss Arce's
dedication to her art. One noted
throughout the program that she
kept pressing, or kneading one of
her fingers between movements of
the various pieces. This resulted in
her hasty removal of bandage in
order to finish Chopin's Sonata as
brilliantly as she had begun. It was
in her way, causing slippage, so out
it went.