by Jaco Lotriet
‘Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound…’
There is no denying the incredible sophistication and exceptional talent that is musical virtuoso Rocco de Villiers. Once more, this accomplished pianist has managed to devise a spellbinding show of the highest calibre that inspires, delights and thrills his audience to new heights. His charm, wit and genius combined in this new theatre show, Amazing Grace, will leave your soul feeling rejuvenated.
The anticipation of each theatre goer when attending this show, is purely to expect the sounds of the piano, accompanied by the slick and sometimes flamboyant humour of de Villiers himself, covered in sequence, feathers, and of course some subtle make up. But to the full surprise of more than just a piano concert, the set, lighting and theme throughout this performance, added more to the experience, than just 8 keys in an octave.
Piano and music takes centre stage in this production, inspired by the music of his latest album, Beautiful Beautiful Hymns. To musically communicate old gospel hymn in a classical way, can be staid, traditionally stale, and sometimes not suitable for modern theatre. We were deeply captured by the effective and gripping arrangement de Villiers brought to each of these songs, we only knew from church.
De Villiers manages to capture each audience member’s attention from the first moment he appears onstage; holds it in a firm grasp throughout and then gently let’s go at the end, leaving you wanting more… He showcases a selection of his favourite, classic hymns in a 90 minute celebration of superb sounding notes, emanating from his Kawai baby grand, while masterfully stroking the ivories with verve and passion.
The true identity of de Villiers was not absent, seeing the religious genre of the show. His witty, funny, but noticeably sincere stories between the hymns, made the show feel more personal, giving that little touch of history behind the Amazing Grace experience. This is surely not a church show. What adds to the Rocco-touch, was the excellence of multi-award winning Set and Lighting designer, Denis Hutchinson, who together created discreet, yet very effective theatrical scenes with each hymn.
Joining Rocco on stage to celebrate this trove of music, adding to this unique repertoire, is bagpipe player Estian Zietsman, organist Pieter van den Berg, Lizelle le Roux on the violin and percussionist (and sound director), Stephen Liebenberg. These artists compliment Rocco’s stage presence through their well-rounded, engaging individual performances that is most praiseworthy. However, without them, the show would not have had this raving, deserving review.
Variations of hymns includes Rocco’s interpretation of Ave Maria, Holy Holy Holy, a beautiful rendition of Silent Night and some other musical tit-bits to snack on that might surprise even the most discerning of music lovers… The carefully included What a Wonderful World and some own composition were part of the programme, and even though these pieces do not fit the hymn-genre, they completely played its part in the Amazing part of this Graceful show.
Most worthy of mention is his own crafted composition Stunning, perfectly staged with the assistance of a humble percussion instrument held in his left hand, while dabbling away on the piano with his right hand. Stunning, to say the least.
Every hymn is a treasured tune, exquisitely staged, beautifully lit and expertly played. Amazing Grace will play at the Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, until the 17th of April.
De Villiers is also nominated for Best Instrumental Album for Beautiful Beautiful Hymns, at this year’s Ghoema Awards, which will be held on the 25th of April at the Joburg Theatre. Should you wish to vote for him, you can SMS ‘R4’ to 39953, at only R2.00 per sms.