Great Bowden Recital Trust

Review: Eluard Trio , 25 Febr uar y 2007

The excellent informative programme notes described the trio – Roger Owens (piano), Adrian Adlam (violin) and Lionel Handy (cello) – as ‘an outstanding combination of passion, musical depth and technical expertise ’ and that is exactly what we got! Classic FM it was not and yet was all the better for that. This was Classics FE – classics for everyone.

For the knowledgeable, one heard the skilful ways these three talented musicians interpreted the music and complemented each in three very different and complex pieces of music. For the uninitiated or those progressing from Classic FM, one heard and saw the passion, the understanding of the music and the sheer enjoyment in playing together. For those struggling to learn to play these three instruments, this was a master-class, with the added bonus of intelligent questions and answers at the end of the recital, The programme was educational, entertaining , enlightening and enriching.

All three pieces were unknown to this listener, as was one of the composers. Yet one recognized (or imagined) – guided by the programme notes – in hearing the Fantasy Circulo Op 91 y Joaquin Turina – the politically-divided Spain that provided the background to the piece’s composition in the 1930s.

In the Johannes Brahms’ Piano Trio in C Major Op 87, the competence – if not brilliance – of the trio was fully realized.

At the end of the recital the players commented on their good fortune in being able to practice regularly together – and it showed.

This was not just a three virtuoso players but a ‘virtuoso trio’ if there can be such a thing.

Maurice Ravel’s Piano Trio in A Minor was (to this listener’s untutored ear) typically Ravel – complex and challenging. With each instrument having dominant sections we fully appreciated – aurally and visually – not only the skilful, passionate, musicianship but also the players ’ ability to listen and respond to each other.

The acoustics of the church lend themselves to chamber music and recitals of this nature.

The Eluard Trio filled the church with sound – their ears were filled with the appreciative applause of a full house. Kate and Andrew Cartwright are to be commended for bringing players of such quality to Great Bowden.

We look forward to the next recital on June 17, which will feature the Double Action Harp Duo – another occasion, I am sure, not to be missed!