Three cheers for terrific teamwork

KETTERING CONCERTS Kingfisher Trio Kettering Community Hall August 19

THE Kingfisher Trio usually comprises Duncan Giffard (piano), Sue Collins (violin), and Sue-Ellen Paulsen (cello).

On this occasion, because of Giffard’s commitments elsewhere, Kristian Chong — himself a distinguished pianist and latterly radio personality on ABC Classic FM — was recruited to take his place for this concert.

The two string players opened with Zoltan Kodaly’s Duo for violin and cello Opus 7, composed in 1914. It is a most appealing threemovement work combining classical form with Hungarian folk music.

Collins and Paulsen both excelled at bringing idiomatic sounding rhythms and phrasing, while communicating a real sense of enjoyment.

Chong then presented a set of three works in the same key — the JS Bach/Siloti Prelude in B minor, Miriam Hyde Rhapsody for left hand in B minor, and Rachmaninoff Prelude in B minor Opus 32 No.10 — neatly seguing into each other to create a suite of contrasted pieces. He exhibited flair and evenness of tone, as well as considerable passion in the Rachmaninoff work.

Finally the three players came together for Beethoven’s Piano Trio in C minor Opus 1 No.3. The performance was sprightly and sensitive by turns. It was also remarkably well balanced and co-ordinated, especially considering the rehearsal time together on this piece was limited.