In the presence of greatness at sensational Edinburgh concerts

When Bryn Terfel and Karen Cargill are on stage, you know you are in for a treat.

Terfel’s Usher Hall performance showed his soulful, fun-loving, dramatic and the patriotic personas.

Roll all these factors together and you have Bryn the magnificent.

Expressive delivery, unbelievable phrasing and control and natural affinity with the audience.

Schubert Lieder might have been someone’s favourites, but in my mind, the Four Last Songs by Brahms stole the show.

He had never performed them before, but they appeared as if they’d been in his repertoire for ages.

Cargill’s choice of French songs in her Queen’s Hall concert proved to be a match made in heaven.

These are the French equivalent to German lieder, and her pairing with the music of Hahn, Debussy, Chausson and Duparc led to some marvellous moments, set off by the opening song of the Hahn quintet, To Chloris.

All the Terfel qualities were there, but I thought there was more passion from Cargill.

Perhaps this was due to hall’s more intimate setting, but the effect was magical and utterly compelling.

Wagner’s Wesendonk Lieder completed a marvellous concert, similar to the French songs and similarly beautifully delivered.

Her encore was the Eriskay Love Lilt.

Incongruous to some, perhaps, but Cargill made it seem no better song could have brought the curtain down on a sensational concert.

Many commendations should be given to their accompanists.

In the cases of Malcolm Martineau and Simon Leppar, Terfel and Cargill have the best in the business.