21st April 2023
CONCERT REVIEW
by Val Bowser
What an evening to end the season! This was a wonderful concert, given by two soloists at the top of their game, despite suffering from heavy colds, and it was our good fortune that they were able to play for us at very short notice, the advertised performers having withdrawn at the last minute. Our thanks for managing this crisis with such apparent ease must go to the organisers. As Bob said at the interval, “Well, we hit the jackpot!”; we knew what he meant!
We have welcomed pianist Dinara Klinton to Scunthorpe before so we know what a brilliant solo performer she is, capable of lyrical sweetness and dazzling finger work, combined with moments of passionate intensity and overall technical brilliance. Her professional partnership with the cellist, Timothée Botbol, is clearly mutually satisfying: she steady and controlled while he revels in the passionate expressiveness of his instrument, each ever watchful of the other, indicating their evident rapport. His love of the cello and his joy in performance were made clear in his remarks before each piece, illuminating the music for us.
The concert opened with Rachmaninov’s “Vocalise”, a beautiful piece originally composed as a song without words for voice and piano but since arranged for various instruments: this arrangement for cello works particularly well, especially as it was performed here, with its rich melodic tone so closely echoing the human voice.
Schumann’s Fantasiestücke Op.73 which followed demonstrated the close partnership between the two instruments, with neither dominating but each complementing the other, the pace and intensity building as the piece progressed.
Then came Beethoven’s Sonata in F, thought to be the first ever written for piano and cello, dedicated to the Prussian King William II, an amateur cellist, so the cello part, despite its prominence, is less demanding than the spectacular writing for the piano, and Dinara was careful not to overbalance the performance.
After the interval we heard Four Pieces for Cello and Piano by Frank Bridge, composed separately over a number of years and arranged in several different versions but originally intended for cello and piano; here they provided a gentle, melodic experience, an aperitif, before the treat of the evening.
In his opening remarks Timothée described Franck’s Sonata in A as the “Pièce de Résistance” of the evening and, clearly, could barely contain his enthusiasm to begin playing. Originally written for violin and piano this arrangement was sanctioned by the composer and works beautifully, the deep, melodious tone of the cello complementing the astonishing piano part in all its range, from calm and rhapsodic to passionate intensity.
We were treated to a wonderful and hugely satisfying performance, enhanced by Stuart’s use of the excellent programme notes to this piece written for a previous concert by our Chairman, Graham Saunders. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Graham has missed several concerts this season, so it was good to be reminded of his dedication and service to this society over many years. We wish him well.
Audience comments
- My first visit. What a show! Brilliant Duo. Thank you.
- Wow! What talent – lovely to have your youth and enthusiasm. A real treat, thank you.
- Their enthusiasm is infectious; their playing delightful.
- Very impressive and talented musicians. Performed wonderfully despite the colds.
- Exceptional playing and thoroughly enjoyable, especially liked the introduction to each piece.
- I really enjoyed tonight’s performance and hope they come again.
- Musical excellence!
- A sonic wonderland – thank you!
- Superb! A privilege to hear you play. Thank you.
- Very accomplished musicians.
Programme
| Dvorak | Silent Wood, Op. 68 |
| Schumann | Fantasiestȕck, Op 73 |
| Beethoven | Cello Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op 5 |
| Bridge | Four pieces for cello and piano |
| Franck | Sonata for cello and piano |
