Chipping Sodbury Music Society concert review (From Gazette Series)

Chipping Sodbury Music Society concert review

12:24pm Monday 16th February 2009 in Search By Gazette reader

Chipping Sodbury Music Society

The London Bridge Ensemble featuring Benjamin Nabarro, violin, Tom Dunn, viola, Kate Gould, cello and Daniel Tong, piano, treated the audience at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall to a memorable concert on 10 February 2009.

The Phantasie Quartet (1910) by Frank Bridge opened the programme. The dramatic introduction, gentle second subject and lively scherzo, were played with panache and conviction by an ensemble well-versed in this approachable work.

Mozart’s late piano trio, K548, was enjoyed by audience and artists alike. Good interplay between players was apparent throughout the jaunty opening movement, soulful andante and frisky finale.

The final item, Brahms piano quartet Opus 60, was reputedly inspired by the death of his friend Schumann and his unrequited love for Clara Schumann. This immense work brought out the very best in the players. Passionate and lyrical in turn the first movement happily survived a broken cello string. Unperturbed, Kate Gould gave full measure to the slow movement’s romantic opening melody. A triumphant finale brought the concert to a satisfying conclusion.

The Society's next concert, featuring the Sulis Wind Trio, will be in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Tuesday, 10 March at 7.30pm.

By Gerry Philp