For their finale to what has been an excellent season, the British Music Society brought back a duo who first appeared here three years ago.
Back then, though highly promising, they were at less than their best after severe traffic delays. This time was altogether different.
The programme was unusual: lightweight Schubert immediately followed by heavyweight Busoni – not frequently heard – with Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” sonata as finale. Schubert’s three early Violin Sonatinas are really piano sonatas with violin accompaniment.
The players reflected that in the first, in D major, and wisely did not overburden it with meaning, Gould, pictured, dabbing in violin touches almost flippantly.
He could hardly be charged with taking Busoni’s Second Sonata too lightly. As a pianist, the composer naturally leant towards the keyboard as protagonist, often leaving the violin in a “shadow” role.
The work is highly theatrical, though it includes a pleasing chorale and a fairly gentle fugue.
But even this duo could not disguise its long tracts of sound and fury, without much light and shade.
That was not an accusation which possibly be levelled at Gould and Reid in their masterly treatment of the Beethoven. In particular, the second movement's theme and variations were teasingly exquisite.
But their teamwork was equally flawless in the fireworks before and after, Reid’s piano instantly adjusting to Gould’s whimsies, all tinged with underlying humour. A pair with a very bright future.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here