Concert review by Bronislaw Sozanski.
The recent chamber music concert at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets, was a continuation of excellent concerts devised by pianist Brian Chapman. His thorough academic approach translated to a complete performance, full of expression and nuance. From the opening drama of Mozart’s K.478 to the gypsy-inspired frenzy of the rondo of Op.25 of Brahms the audience witnessed the power and subtlety delivered with the special thrill that only chamber music can provide.
One of the highlights of the concert was the quality of the string playing. Susan Pierotti (violin), Katharine Brockman (viola) and Rosanne Hunt (‘cello) as an ensemble created a fine texture of sound, perfectly balanced with the piano. The highly focussed communication between the musicians was always evident. The string solos, particularly in the slow movements, achieved an excellent cantabile quality.
The symphonic and concerto characters which permeate these significant compositions were clearly evident as Chapman’s virtuosity gave full meaning to the allegro passages, particularly in Beethoven’s Op. 16. The ensemble work and balance remained finely poised throughout.
Bronislaw Sozanski BA DepEd ATCL VMTA
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