Discover Walla Walla

Matthew Palumbo carves a sharp figure as he thunderously strikes the ivory of the grand piano resting on the stage of the Melvin K. West Fine Arts Auditorium, the muscles on his sculpted forearms pulsating with each chord. The 21-year-old Palumbo, decked out fully in black --short sleeved shirt, tuxedo pants, shoes and socks to go with his jet black thatch hair, prior to his evening, has performed with Andre Watts, Van Cliburn, Alexander Kobrin and Yong Hi Moon, not to mention winning top prize at the Northwest Chopin Competition, Sherman Clay's Bach Competition and the Seattle Young Artists Music Festival.

Tonight, though, on the Spartan stage of the "West Fine Auditorium," Palumbo is performing his Junior Recital, as he continues to study at Walla Walla University under the tutelage of Dr. Leonard Richter, worlds away from large concert halls and renowned artists. Yet, Palumbo plays with such voraciousness that at times he runs his fingers along the ivory as if he can't devour the notes fast enough for his liking and his joy of playing is not linked to the size of the crowd or the presence of a virtuoso. No, Matthew Palumbo merely loves to play classical piano and the guests and family members gathered in this snug auditorium are lucky enough to be treated to a passion-filled hour that displays the full array of Mr. Palumbo's enormous talent.

Palumbo opens with Barber's Ballade, Op. 56, which perfectly matches his all black attire. After finishing the dark piece, Palumbo sits for several seconds, as if in a trance, as if he has entered Barber's world before awakening and rising from his bench to take his bow. Palumbo shows his impressive dexterity in the second piece, Bach's Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, but by the finish, this observer is wondering if there is any softness or delicacy to go along with these nimble fingers.

That doubt is quickly silenced by Palumbo's mastery of Mozart's Ten Variations in G Major. Although Palumbo maintains a serious expression throughout the evening, his fingers easily capture the hopping, blithe melody that enlivens the middle movement. During the third movement, Palumbo's technique truly defines the term "tickling the ivory," as his fingers pull away from the keys after initially settling on them ever so softly.

In his final selection, Beethoven's Sonata in F Minor, Palumbo shows off all of his tools: his ability to thunder chords and furiously roll his fingers down the keys without missing a note; the delicacy required to reveal the gorgeous melody in the second movement; and the flat-out skill to run up and down the ivories, at times only using one hand, while interjecting solid chords unexpectedly. The kid has skills.

Upon finishing Beethoven, the rituals of a Junior Recital begin. Palumbo takes his curtain call bow, a family member brings flowers to him on stage and photos are taken amidst a never ending line of hugs.

Did Matthew Palumbo pass the grade? Did his teacher find fault with any aspect of his performance? We'll never know. What we do know is that on a chilly winter evening in a cozy auditorium, Matthew Palumbo treated us to a wonderful night of classical piano . . . and for that; we give him an "A+."