Review: York Chamber Music Festival, Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate, York, September 21

WELL, this was a first: reviewing a concert of music I’d never heard, or even knew the works existed.

Be that as it may, this excellent York Chamber Music Festival lunchtime recital opened with Haydn’s Divertimento in D major. This started out as his Baryton (never heard of it…) Trio in D major. Although the piece was in no way memorable, the playing was superb. The tone of Sarah-Jane Bradley’s viola playing was absolutely gorgeous, so full, resonant and rich; a joyful marker for the rest of the recital.

Dvorak’s Silent Woods (arranged by Sarah-Jane Bradley) and Slavonic Dance (arranged by Kenneth Harding) were simply delightful, breathing that tonal authenticity that the two works had indeed been written for the viola. Mendelssohn’s remarkable Sonata in C Minor for viola and piano wasn’t published until 1966 and he wrote it when he was only 15! What I took from this fluent, utterly engaging performance was the compositional intent. Fifteen he may have been, but a far more mature voice is clearly evident. The excellent pianist, John Lenehan, didn’t have many solo windows to display his wares, but Felix did offer a couple of odd opportunities for the pianist to shine which Mr Lenehan clearly relished.

The most musically fulfilling performance was Frank Bridge’s Pensiero and Allegro. These were early works, written about 1906, but clearly the finished article. I thought the playing, the engagement of these two outstanding performers, was a joy to listen to. But then they were throughout.

Steve Crowther