REVIEW

WEYMOUTH LUNCHTIME CONCERT, ST MARY'S CHURCH

MUSIC lovers regularly flock to St Mary's Church, Weymouth, on Wednesday lunchtimes to hear the Weymouth lunchtime chamber concerts directed by Duncan Honeybourne.

As a special treat Duncan sometimes gives solo performances. Once a year he gives a recital commemorating his father Eric whose last years greatly benefited from Melcombe Regis Hospital Day Centre's dementia care.

Profits from this concert went to the day centre.

We sometimes forget that Duncan's musical genius is recognised worldwide.

Duncan gave an absolutely outstanding performance, perhaps his best ever.

Starting with the sparkling little sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti (1685 - 1757), Duncan then played his favourite Schumann Suite, Waldszenen (Forest Scenes).

Rarely played (maybe because Scenes if Childhood is so much easier), this is mostly gentle, subtle, romantic music.

Finally, Duncan played what must be Brahms' greatest and most virtuoso solo piano work - variations on a them of Handel.

The Final Fugue is massive and resembles Bach. A massive and amazing work, magnificently played. The applause went on forever.

JANET FERRETT