SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL

Harrogate International Festival 2008: Trio Recital.  Midori (violin), Jonathan Biss (piano), Johannes Moser (cello), Schumann, Kirchner, Beethoven, Harrogate Theatre, UK, 28.7.2008 (JL)

Schumann: Piano Trio in F Major
Leon Kirchner: Trio No. 1
Beethoven: Piano Trio in B-flat Op. 97 'Archduke'

This concert finished with a supreme performance of one of the mainstays of the chamber repertoire, Beethoven’s Archduke Trio. It shows what can happen when three musicians, stars in their own right, get together, hit it off in a way that achieves the necessary chemistry, banish any expression of ego and devote their very collective being to the music.

Osaka born superstar violinist Midori had achieved celebrity status by the time she was 12, having already performed with the New York Philharmonic.  She is now, at little over 35, a seasoned veteran and has formed this trio, which does not carry a name, with two significantly younger players. American pianist Jonathan Biss has already established an international reputation whilst German cellist Johannes Moser’s career took off after winning the Tchaikovsky prize in 2002.

This wonderfully honed programme had been performed the night before at London’s Wigmore Hall. It began with the second of Schumann’s three Piano Trios, a work in an   intimate chamber genre in which the composer was more at home than in his orchestral works. It is a wide ranging piece with Schumann’s own instrument, the piano, playing as always in his chamber works, a high profile role. Jonathan Biss never fell into the trap of over-doing his part yet provided the rhythmic punch where needed.  This fine work (albeit with some rambling moments) was given a most persuasive performance by a group that is clearly particularly at home in romantic repertoire. The players effortlessly brought out Schumann’s stylistically personal combination  of passion, rhythm, soaring lines and warmth of feeling in a way that made me feel the music was steering itself without interpretive mannerisms getting in the way. I say that as one of the best compliments that can be paid to a group of players.

As far as international reputation is concerned, Leon Kirchner (born 1919) could have sunk without trace but for one or two recordings, especially a recent Naxos disc devoted to his works alone  that included his Piano Trio of 1954 (see my disc review.)

It is interesting to witness this group, following in the steps of cellist Yo Yo Mar, championing Kirchner. The style might be described as relatively accessible post-war avant garde. The account was as persuasive as it could be, the virtuosities effortlessly negotiated and Joanthan Biss provided much rhythmic excitement with passages containing hair-raising cascades of notes.

At the start of the Archduke Trio it was clear that this was to be a performance in which lyricism was to play a major part. Some may prefer a more rhetorical rendering of the arresting opening tune but I am sure anyone would have been persuaded by this approach through the sheer intense unanimity of purpose. Midori’s 1734 Guarneri violin sang gloriously (not aided by the dead acoustic of the theatre) but equally impressive was the way she combined with Johannes Moser. When playing in parallel thirds or sixths they might as well have been siamese twins so matched was their phrasing.

The performance was part of a two week European tour covering ten different venues thus giving many people the opportunity to witness three outstanding musicians delivering superb performances. But testimony to what a tiny minority interest is   classical chamber music was the fact that the theatre on this occasion was less than one-quarter  full. Maybe things will fare better on the continent.

Just before coming to Europe, Midori said that this was to be a “tour for the love of music and fun with each other”. At least a few privileged people were there at Harrogate to listen in.

John Leeman


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