CONCERT REVIEW

DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM MUSIC SOCIETY

THE LEONORE PIANO TRIO

Although only formed in 2012, the Leonore Piano Trio have been playing together, as members of Ensemble 360, for more than ten years. Cellist Gemma Rosefield, violinist Benjamin Nabarro, and pianist Tim Horton, are critically acclaimed musicians, and when performing together, as in last Wednesday’s DCMMS concert, give performances of the highest calibre.

Their concert began with Beethoven’s Variations in G, opus 121a, “Kakadu.” This seldom played work starts with a very serious introduction in C minor; Beethoven’s favourite key. Having set a very ominous tone, the variations suddenly become light-hearted and humorous. Each member of the trio got the chance to show their merit, both individually, and together, and they achieved this magnificently.

Next we heard Dvorak’s Trio in E minor, known as “Dumky.” Composed in 1891, it is made up of six sections, which feature both slow and fast music. In this we heard some very sonorous playing, full of Slavic passion, and energy, and it does help that the cellist and violinist possess rather fine instruments! One of the joys of attending chamber music concerts, is that you can see how musicians communicate, or not, with each other. On this score, the Leonore Trio obviously enjoyed each other’s company very much.

The last piece in their concert was Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E flat. This magnificent piece is a cornerstone in every piano trio’s repertoire. It is a lengthy and demanding work, and only reveals its true majesty when every nuance in the score is strictly observed. The trio played it with great flare, technical brilliance, and sensitivity. Tim Horton’s intricate passage-work was a joy to hear, as was the warm and supple playing of the strings.

This concert was the last one in the Society’s current season; and what a wonderful season it has been. Next season’s concerts begin again in September with the Wihan Quartet. This great Czech string quartet is including Dvorak’s “American” in their programme; not to be missed!

RUSSELL DAWSON