AFTER a number of performances spent dodging showers, it was a pleasure to come to this lovely village on a delightful summer’s evening.
It was a pleasure also to hear this outstanding pianist in a programme of works, which he regards as particularly significant in his career to date.
He opened with Beethoven’s Six Bagatelles, Op. 126, a surprising mix of profundity and humour followed by a clear, cohesive performance of Berg’s Piano Sonata No. 1 and, after the slightest pause, Franck’s Prelude, Chorale and Fugue.
This grand, architectural piece was given a suitably expansive performance with a remarkably delicate central Chorale with its cross-hands motif.
Two of Busoni’s piano transcriptions of Bach followed: the Chaconne in D minor, BWV 1004, from the solo violin Partita and the Chorale Prelude, Ich ruf’ zu dir, BWV 639, from the Orgelbüchlein.
The Chaconne was concentrated and passionate, then beautifully calm, both soothing and satisfying in the way that so many of Bach’s solo instrumental works are.
Samuel Barber’s Piano Sonata, Op.
26, has been Wass’s party piece and this was a bravura performance, dramatic at first, then teasing with a disquieting Adagio and a final Fuga which, with its multiple lines, was simply staggering.
Peter Bevan
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