St Peter and St Paul’s, Pickering

ONCE again in the lovely St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Pickering, with an absolutely full house of enthusiastic music lovers, there was a wonderful atmosphere of anticipation and we were not disappointed.

The Piano Quartet in C major Op. 15 by Faure opened with a tremendous sweeping surge of music, fading to a delightful piano figure, then followed by each of the strings, violin, viola and cello in turn.

This is such great music, so affecting it almost takes one’s breath away. Over four movements, it is rich in variety and contrasts including gentle interludes and a lively scherzo. Performance of this piece demands an amazing range of effects from the strings achieved by pizzicato, plucking and bowing, with some beautiful passages for piano all being faultlessly achieved.

A particular delight was the performance of soprano Claire Booth who has a voice of outstanding quality and a formidable repertoire of styles. She sang a selection of works from Faure’s La Bonne Chanson for voice, piano and string quartet – song settings of Verlaine love poems, followed by Chanson Triste Op.2 by Duparc, to tumultuous applause. She has a voice of spectacular range and quality, and fine stage style.

The finale was indeed grand – Chausson’s "Concert" for violin, piano and string quartet. This work opens with a strongly dramatic series of chords on the violins followed by the violin solo, beautifully performed by Rachel Kolly d’Alba with a very fine piano accompaniment, full of drama and contrasts

This has been a wonderful festival, with outstanding artistes and a really interesting, representative selection of music to celebrate La Belle Epoque. How fortunate we are to be able to enjoy such musical pleasures in the lovely environment of the North York Moors.

Irene MacDonald