Mark Isaacs In Concert – Review

Mark Isaacs Concert

Reviewed by David King

Last Sunday afternoon at the Independent Theatre in North Sydney, accomplished pianist and composer, Mark Issacs treated us to a thoughtful and generous performance. He played music from Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Satie, and Poulenc. He also played excerpts from his Children’s Songs (2011), three impromptu pieces and for an encore  his interpretation of the jazz standard, Wave by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Mark moves easily between the jazz and classical worlds. He is performing with his new jazz trio at Foundry 616 on Wednesday 17th. Mark joked that he is four decades older than the other members but one can argue that good music and musicians are ageless.

Despite not playing publicly for 12 months and short notice for this concert, Mark played with command and sensitivity. He understands the works and wants to share their beauty with others. Mark hopes to put the pieces by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Satie and Poulenc on an upcoming CD appropriately called “Intimacies”. His performance was an exercise in mindfulness; every note counted and he immersed himself in the work; swaying backward and forwards and shaking his head. It was pleasure to watch a musician who loves the music he plays and does such an exceptional job playing it.