2010

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22nd January – Sheida Davis & Helen Reid

The cellist Sheida Davis is no longer a newcomer to the music circuit, despite her relative youth. The members’ evening at Farnham Castle on 22 January was the third appearance of this popular and accomplished musician. Accompanied, once again, by the talented piano recitalist Helen Reid, local music-lovers had a feast of wonderful music served up by a gifted musical duo.

Following an enjoyable work by the Czech composer Martinu, based on a Slovak theme, JS Bach’s Sonata in G Major for viola da gamba and harpsichord, adapted for cello and piano, was an uncomplicated and delightful piece that was greatly appreciated. Three Fantasy Pieces by Schumann concluded the first half. The third of these pieces was a stirring work that invited visions of a big swell in an angry sea giving way to calm.

The second part began with seven variations on a theme from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, giving the audience a familiar tune to trace. The final work was Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata which seems an unfair title since the pianist also works extremely hard, particularly in the final movement. This relatively cheerful piece (compared with much of Prokofiev’s other work) comes to a superb climax at the end of a movement that begins almost playfully – it displayed the outstanding skills of both musicians to great effect.

Ian Sargeant
23 January, 2010

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26 February – The Harris Quartet

The Harris Quartet began and ended their programme at Farnham Castle on 26th February with a piece specially composed for them by Adrian Brockless. He was present to enjoy the sensitive first performance of this charming piece, a gentle ’Berceuse’ (cradle song) in a very English style with harmonies reminiscent of Vaughan Williams. The large audience enjoyed it so much they demanded a repeat at the end of the concert.

The two main works of the evening presented a fascinating contrast of youth and age: an early quartet by Mendelssohn and a late one by Beethoven. Mendelssohn’s Opus 12 reflects the former composer’s acknowledged admiration for the latter but overall the style is unmistakeably his own, ranging from romantic ardour to passages that recall skittish moments from the ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ overture. The stormy finale demonstrated the mature virtuosic skills of the four young musicians, Nicky Olle, Nick Evans-Pughe, Helen Roche and Toby Turton.

It is almost incredible that Beethoven was completely deaf when he wrote his astounding late quartets. Opus 130 in B flat is considered to be part of his crowning achievement as a composer and presents a great challenge to musicians. The Harris Quartet rose to this challenge admirably, giving a moving rendition of the soft ‘Cavatina’ and a contrastingly energetic Presto to end a triumphant performance.

Rosemary Wisbey
26 February 2010

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