DESPITE the chill in the air and certainly no sign yet of spring, it was wonderful to see a fantastic turnout at Berkeley Castle for the recent ‘Winter’s End Concert’.

However, the atmosphere in the Main Hall was cosy and warm as pianist Dorian Keilhack and his wife, violinist Beate Keilhack, entertained the audience with a selection of romantic tunes for the season interspersed with Dorian’s amusing quotes, anecdotes and musings.


Billed as ‘A love affair between violin and piano’ the couple from Germany proved that this was indeed the case. Dorian, who is well known across the globe as both pianist and conductor, began with a quote from Faust in his native tongue, which translated into English proved the perfect introduction to the programme, which commenced with Beethoven’s ‘Spring’ Sonata in F Major for violin and piano, op.24.

Another quote, this time from Beaudelaire on Romanticism, preceded a selection of Chopin pieces from Dorian, prior to the warming canapes and wine which was served to the appreciative crowds during the interval.

Beate returned for four romantic pieces from Dvorak, before her husband produced a brilliant version of Busoni’s Fantasia da camera super Carmen – a quickly adapted version of the piece as it seems the castle’s beautiful antique ‘Player’ baby grand is not equipped with quite enough keys to cope with the full version! However, Dorian was keen to point out that this particular type of piano was Chopin’s favourite.

The piano, however, bravely stood up to the punishment of Busoni’s Fantasia da camera super Carmen as Dorian’s lightning quick fingers hammered up and down the keys and breaths were certainly let out as the pace steadied for Kreisler’s Berceuse Romantique and Schon Rosmarin duets.

For an encore, the couple played a special version of Richard Rodgers' song "Isn't it romantic?" And yes, I do believe it was.

Let’s hope that it won’t be too long before we welcome Dorian and Beate back to play at the Castle once more.