November 2006

Dear Music-lover,

Our November concert was the first violin and piano duo we had felt able to promote and featured Peter Evans, an Edinburgh pianist and Ulrike Fenner, a German violinist.

On a wet night, perhaps it was understandable that the audience was small-ish (selective?), but we were treated to an evening of excellent music making. One feature, for me, made the evening special – the pure professionalism of the performers. Peter and Uli took everything in their stride – a long drive from Edinburgh; my mystifying directions on how to get to the Town Hall; the delay in getting access for practice (because of the launch of Highland Community TV network) and the delightfully prepared “green room”, laid out by Alison with a picnic for them (they were quite ecstatic about it!)

They then produced a wonderful evening, with Peter supplementing the programme notes from the stage with insights into the works and the composers. For me, the intriguing Brahms Scherzo, the delicate Mozart sonata and even the luscious Prokoviev “5 melodies” were but a prelude to the Sonata by César Franck. This is something that Niall and I (me, particularly) have struggled with for years. The horrendously difficult second movement simply flowed, which allowed me to relax and enjoy the rest. I heard notes in the music that I hadn’t even realised were there!

That wonderful sonata alone merited their encores – “Après une rêve”, by Fauré, and Gershwin’s “Let’s call the whole thing off”. I’m glad they didn’t.

In a final gesture, Peter publicly acknowledged the ability of Helen Standen, who had been a very competent page-turner throughout. As a (perhaps, less-than-competent) page-turner of some years’ standing/sitting, was I jealous? You bet!

Our final concert of 2006 is on 7th December, with the Edinburgh Quartet. I look forward to seeing you there.

Paul