Cellos triumph in chamber concert

Perth Chamber Music triumphed again with the unusual and rich combination of two solo cellos for their audience in St John’s Kirk on February 18.

It did not harm that the cellists were Philip Higham, the outstanding first cello of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Kim Vaughan, founder member of the Benyounes String Quartet.

Named for the composer, the Jacchini Duo played his Sonata in C: a spirited first, an Adagio of feeling, a French Aria and a springy Minuet.

Vivaldi’s Sonata RV41 typified its composer’s style with energy and lively repartee and lyrical slow music.

Four Scots tunes from collections by Barsanti and Gunn showed lilt and heart and the golden sound of the two players together.

They brought us up to date with Sally Beamish’s original Prelude and Canon of 2005/6 based on pibroch and Scots fiddle music, moving from a gravely impressive start, though a chase canon, then a lament leading to a plangent ending.

Philip Higham was on his own for the most remarkable piece of the evening: Gaspar Cassadó’s Suite. Looking transported, he brought out the heart of Spain and its dances from his cello. It was totally compelling music making.

Five Duos from Bartók’s set of 44 had a wealth of devices in their short time, displaying folk feeling, solemnity and dance-like vigour.

It was back to the 16th century three exquisite Canzonets by Thomas Morley: an Italianate cantilena, a love song and a lively fantasia.

François Couperin’s 13th Concert from Les Goûts réunis ended the evening. Proud French movements bookended two more lyrical Italian movements.

As encore the fine sound of the two cellos, richly supported by the St John’s Kirk acoustic, sounded out again in Bartók’s Wedding Song.