da VINCI TRIO
SUNDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2011
Trio of Firsts
Sunday evening's concert by the Da Vinci Piano Trio, jointly promoted by Music Nairn and the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, presented a packed programme of two major works from the repertoire as well as a less familiar piece as a filler. All three works were their respective composer's first attempt at the genre, although this was in no way apparent. The similarities continue. Schubert's powerful trio in Bb major comes from his thirtieth and final year, while Mendelssohn's flawless D minor Trio was composed some twelve years later - also in its composer's thirtieth year.
The programme opened with Shostakovich's first attempt at a Piano Trio, composed when he was still a student and indeed left incomplete, to be finished in due course by one of his own students. It is appropriate that the work should be the joint production of two young men as it reflects on young love and romance. While the young Russian master is already clearly identifiable in the music, it is interesting to hear some of his youthful influences – including, unexpectedly, Wagner, Janacek and Rachmaninov. The Da Vinci Piano Trio's dynamic rendition of the work made a powerful case for its more regular inclusion in concert programmes.
The first half concluded with perhaps the most perfect contribution to the genre by Mendelssohn. It is hard to imagine any improvement which could be made to this definitive work of lyrical beauty, wit, profundity and formal perfection, and the Trio moved with ease through its many aspects, providing us with a beautifully eloquent account. The humour in cellist Robert Irvine's pawky verbal introductions is clearly also a integral part of the group's approach to performance, and there was delightfully mercurial quality to much of the playing.
It was perhaps due to the juxtaposition with the effortlessly brilliant Mendelssohn, or an element of fatigue resulting from the ambitious programme, but the Schubert Trio seemed to me a little heavy-footed by comparison. While the opening Allegro and lyrical Andante had the familiar Schubertian melodic magic, the Finale seemed a little plodding. A slightly slower than customary tempo from the Trio avoided the impression of the Rondo subject slightly outstaying its welcome, but it did deprive the movement of a little of its fire.
Nonetheless, this was a musically engaging evening of first class music making, and a fine introduction to the world of the Piano Trio through three of its finest examples. The classic repertoire was matched with excellent playing on three 'classic' instruments – Tony Moffat's 1705 Testore violin and Robert Irvine's 1725 Gofriller cello being beautifully supported by Music Nairn's versatile Steinway, expertly played by Scott Mitchell.
DJR