On Thursday, Oct. 2, the audience at David Berry’s Faculty Recital was able to hear his heart poured into each note as he performed a personal and emotionally rich selection of piano music. Blending classical works with original compositions, the recital took listeners on a journey through time, culture, and spirit.
Dr. David Berry is not only a professor of music but also serves as director of the Music Program, associate dean for holistic student success, faculty athletics representative, and the artistic director of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival every June at EMU. Beyond campus, he is an active touring/performing classical pianist and also attends his sons’ activities.
Berry’s recital program featured a mix of classical pieces and original works. Among the selections were piano sonatas by 19th-century composer Franz Liszt and 20th-century composer George Walker, alongside Berry’s own compositions. “My compositional style is influenced by all kinds of music I grew up with and around, including the blues, gospel music, jazz, and African American spirituals,” Berry explained. “This concert brings together some classical piano sonatas I really love… with some of my own piano pieces… It explores some of the kinship and similarities in the spirit of all of these works.”
The performance itself was dynamic and filled with contrast. At moments, Berry struck the keys with powerful, commanding force; in others, his playing flowed with quiet grace. The recital included fast-paced, technically demanding sections and some slower-paced sections. The transitions between pieces were “flawless,” as described by senior student Jacob Nissley. Each note seemed carefully placed, creating a resonant emotional experience that lingered with the audience after the final piece.
Berry connected with the audience not just through his playing, but by offering context and personal insight before different pieces. “It really comes down to leaving your heart and soul on the stage,” he said. “It takes tremendous courage to be authentic and be ‘in the moment.’ But music always connects best when you are.”
The purpose of the recital extended beyond musical showcase. Berry hoped the audience would feel something deeper. “Beyond anything, I want the audience to feel moved,” he said. “This concert has a lot of intense and emotional-filled music. Communicating the essence, soul to soul, is the most important thing for me.”
This message came through to several students. Senior Jadon Harley called the recital “powerful” and “moving.” Fellow senior Canyon Penner added, “Nothing makes you wanna play piano more than listening to David Berry.”
In a performance that was both technically masterful and emotionally raw, David Berry reminded his audience of the timeless, connective power of music.
