Proms Chamber Music 4 (6.8.12): Debussy & Ravel

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Monday 6 August
1.00pm – c. 2.00pm
Cadogan Hall

Debussy: Violin Sonata (13 mins)
Debussy: Cello Sonata (12 mins)
Ravel: Piano Trio in A minor (27 mins)

Jennifer Pike violin
Igor Levit piano
Nicolas Altstaedt cello

Three leading soloists join forces to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Debussy.

French composer Claude Debussy was one of the most forward-looking of early 20th century composers so his return to Classical form in these late Sonatas is one last party-trick from a composer who constantly rebelled and surprised. Ravel's Piano Trio was written in 1914 just as the First World War broke out. Finishing it at break-neck speed so he could enlist, he said he composed it 'with the sureness and lucidity of a madman'. The result is an elegant and virtuosic masterpiece that seems tinged with nostalgia. The performers are three leading young soloists, all of whom are, or have been, BBC New Generation Artists.

[Lancashire Lass]

I had never heard the Ravel -- one of my favourite pieces of music, let alone chamber works -- live, never heard Jennifer Pike and never been to the Cadogan Hall, so there was a lot of anticipation here, and it did not disappoint! JP had a lovely warm tone in the Debussy and found a sweet spot with all of the notes. It got me thinking, in view of the discussion on Nicola Benedetti's performance last night, whether it's easier for a violinist to sound better in a small venue where you're not forcing the sound and/or battling the orchestra (sorry if this is obvious to those of you who are far more experienced in musical criticism than I am). Having said that, in the Ravel (which was spine-tinglingly good), there was a bit of squeaking in the sforzandos of the second movement, but I guess that's one of the more demanding sections of what CBH reminded us is a notoriously difficult piece.

The three performers all played with great brio and obviously enjoyed themselves.

I can never understand why people go on about Bolero -- this, together with the second movement of the piano concerto, is far more nuanced, and because of that, more powerful in conveying its underlying passion. But I suppose it's all about being obvious, innit?

[Stanley Stewart]

A combination and a form, indeed, Lancashire Lass. I've made a diary note to hear the repeat programme at 14.00hrs, Sat, 11 August, R3. The Cadogan Hall has come to the fore since my retirement from London -SW19 for five years in the 80s - and I've seen it during a few TV broadcasts from the Hall, How does it compare to the beloved Wigmore Hall, my second home?

My favourite recording of the Ravel Sonates & Trio is performed by Renaud Capucon, Gautier Capaucon and Frank Braley. Exquisite. Virgin Classics, (recorded 2002).

[edashtav]

[QUOTE=Lancashire Lass;192601

The three performers all played with great brio and obviously enjoyed themselves.

I can never understand why people go on about Bolero -- this, together with the second movement of the piano concerto, is far more nuanced, and because of that, more powerful in conveying its underlying passion. But I suppose it's all about being obvious, innit?[/QUOTE]
Well said,Lass - a terrific performance that put me on the edge of my armchair.

[Northender]

If the Radio Times is to be believed, the Ravel Piano Trio can be heard as the final item in a concert, recorded at the Cheltenham Festival, to be broadcast at 1300 today. The performers are Henning Kraggerud, Adrian Brendel and Christian Ihle-Holland, who are also playing works by Janacek, Joplin and Webern.

[Lancashire Lass]

The Cadogan Hall has come to the fore since my retirement from London -SW19 for five years in the 80s - and I've seen it during a few TV broadcasts from the Hall, How does it compare to the beloved Wigmore Hall, my second home?

My favourite recording of the Ravel Sonates & Trio is performed by Renaud Capucon, Gautier Capaucon and Frank Braley. Exquisite. Virgin Classics, (recorded 2002).

That's the one I've got too! It came out top in a recent R3 CD Review. It threw me a bit at the start of the piece because Igor Levit played the piano intro as a series of phrases, rather than one long legato line as in that recording. Good to hear a different interpretation though.

I'm afraid I can't tell you about the Wigmore Hall because I haven't been there yet! All I would say is that the Cadogan Hall has a feeling of intimacy and warmth. But perhaps that's standard for chamber concert venues.

[DracoM]

Riveting performance of a most engaging pair of works. Thanks.

[Northender]

Well said,Lass - a terrific performance that put me on the edge of my armchair.

Absolutely. The word 'rapt' comes to mind.