By Sean Hendrickson
I want to preface this review by saying that I do not have any experience with piano, nor classical music in general. I do, however, study music recording and its production, so I will do my best to build my opinion based on those two facts.
Benjamin Hochman was born in Jerusalem in 1980, and began launching his music career by studying piano at the Conservatory of the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem. Since then, he continues to play, compose and serve as a faculty member at the Bard College Conservatory of Music. I believe this is an important context for assessing his playing of Bach’s piece and the value of it.
Multiple cameras, high quality recording equipment, and an expressive musician come together in this nearly thirty-minute piece. Arpeggiated fluttery melodies, raised eyebrows, low octave chords, seat swaying, motifs leaving only to return again. I may not study classical music, but these are surely the hallmarks of an impressive performance.
Though not expressly educational in the sense most may consider, taking into context his position at the Bard College Conservatory of Music, I think both this performance and his career are a shining example of the potential of non-STEM pursuits. As someone who works with music on a daily basis, this is one of many moments that remind me of its importance.
I would rate this 5 out of 5 stars.
Student and artist living in the pacific northwest with a focus on audio/music production and a passion for modernizing the way we live.
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