Notes of magic from pianist at recital (From Gazette Series)

Review: Chipping Sodbury Music Society, October concert

12:55pm Monday 17th October 2011 in Leisure By Michelle Cook

Chipping Sodbury Music Society was very fortunate to be able to engage Sophia Lisovskaya, at less than six hours notice, to play for them at our opening concert of the season. And what a star Sophia Lisovskaya, solo pianist, turned out to be.

Her opening work was Beethoven’s ‘Pathétique’ Piano Sonata no. 8 op. 13 and Sophia played the slow introductory theme with great sensitivity. Her technical skills were evident in her playing of the Allegro with its complex themes. The Adagio movement began with the famous cantabile melody and there was a richness in her playing of the subsequent themes. The sonata closed with the brilliantly executed Rondo.

The piano transcription by Liszt of one of Schumann's best-loved songs, 'Widmung', allowed Sophia to demonstrate her compassion for the work with both power and balance between the right and left hands. There was a subtle hint of Schubert's Ave Maria melody at the end of the piece.

The first half of the concert ended with three pieces by Chopin. The Mazurka in E minor had a waltz-like style and concluded with impeccably executed arpeggio patterns leading to a very quiet close. The tempo of the popular A minor Mazurka brought out the sweet, flowing melody and gave it a dream-like quality. Finally, Chopin’s Barcarolle Op. 60 was given a beautifully elegant and expressive performance.

The second half of the concert was devoted to Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Seasons’ Op. 37. Sophia selected nine of the twelve seasons and each was portrayed in a unique style. It is difficult to highlight any particular ‘season’ but August Harvest and December Christmas painted evocative pictures and all were played with outstanding command and control. The enthusiastic applause from the audience was matched by Sophia’s own obvious enjoyment of the evening, and she will receive a warm welcome at the Society when she returns in future.

The next concert will be on Tuesday 8 November 2011. The Batignano Trio of flute, bass clarinet and guitar will be presenting a programme entitled "Northern Lights".