13th January 2023
Concert review by Ann and Brian Newbould
We do not first reach for terms like virtuosity and brilliant pianism to describe this event. Not because they were not in evidence, but simply because poetry, magic, and sometimes pathos were uppermost. Antoine Préat, the young Franco-Belgian pianist, came to Scunthorpe with excellent credentials, which proved to be well-deserved on the evidence of a recital mixing French with Central European repertory.
Pianists today do not clamour to play the harpsichord music of the French Baroque composer Rameau these days, so the placing of his Suite in G at the head of this programme was intriguing. These suites are not typical of the Baroque suites we know (mainly Bach) in that they feature character pieces – La Poule (the Hen), and L’Egyptienne (the gypsy girl dancing) – to which their composer responds with a winning French charm. Préat, in turn, responded with absolute clarity, wit, and unfailing delight as his fingers danced winningly upon the keyboard.
Music by Ravel followed: Kaddish, the first of two Mélodies Hébraïques for voice and piano, in a transcription by Alexander Siloti, a Russian composer born in Kharkiv (1863-1945). Contemplative and a touch folksy, it emerged as a quietly emotive piece whose pathos flowed gently from Préat’s deft fingers.
It was a treat to hear the two books of Debussy’s Images, wisely separated so as to end the first and second halves of the recital respectively. Between them, early in the second half, came Haydn and Schubert. A charming and delightful performance of Haydn’s E minor Sonata (Hob.XVI,34) displayed Préat’s ability to apply dynamic gradations in a Classical style. The slow movement sang, while the finale sparkled with wit and vitality.
The shorter of Schubert’s two piano sonatas in A major, D.664, was an ideal choice for this programme. It was written when Schubert was on holiday in Upper Austria, where he described the countryside as ‘unimaginably lovely’, and his host’s daughter as ‘very pretty’. A sense of well-being prevails, perhaps unsurprisingly. The music’s warm lyricism and serenity, laced with virtuoso outbursts, suited our guest-pianist ideally. Well-judged detail abounded. An affecting performance indeed.
Not surprisingly, our recitalist displayed all the technical resource and poetic vision needed for the Debussy, bringing to both books of Images the variety of tone production they demand. The sheer range of sonic imagination displayed by one of the most original of all composers emerged to the full. Particularly exquisite was the final Poissons d’Or (goldfish) – truly wonderful.
We were treated to two encores, both of them Romances sans Paroles by Fauré, in their gentle poetic charm a perfect conclusion to an evening of rare delight.
Audience Comments:
- Excellent that we have access to live quality music courtesy of the society
- Very fresh approach to his music. Deft and expressive. A joy to listen to.
- What a treat to hear such a young gifted pianist – let’s hope we hear more of him in the future.
- A beautiful, sensitive performance, full of expression. What’s not to like??
- A very different pianist. More thoughtful. More contemplative.
- Exquisite yet exciting playing. Thoroughly enjoyed every note.
- Superb – great touch on the keyboard. Lovely performance.
- Very good pianist.
- Merci beaucoup.
- And from a member the following day:
Just making bread and what should come on R3 but the moon descending on the temple that was, I think, played better, more magically, last night.
Programme:
Rameau
Ravel (arr Siloti)
Debussy
Haydn
Schubert
Suite en Sol
Kaddish
Images Book I and Book ll
Sonata in E minor
Sonata in A Major , K664