THE Cathedral Concert Society opened in fine style with a performance by two of this country’s finest musicians giving almost a masterclass in singing and accompaniment.

Elizabeth Watts impressed me a year ago in a performance of Berlioz’ Nuit d’Ete and did so again in this rather different programme.

As Julius Drake is also patron of the concert society it was rather nice to welcome him here in performance, especially on a fine sounding Steinway concert grand.

In a largely unfamiliar programme they opened with Six Songs to Poems by Victor Hugo set by Franz Liszt.

From the opening Enfant, si j’etais roi, I was struck by the beauty of Watts’ voice, her wide range, wonderful technique, control and expression. Here and throughout she acted out each story conveying its full meaning.

Hahn’s songs are perfect gems and in the case of Si mes vers avaient des ailes, for example, all the more remarkable for a 13-year-old.

The Richard Strauss cycle, Kramerspiegel, is rarely performed – hardly surprising when it is such an offensive tirade against his publishers.

The words were at odds with the more beautiful music including several longer preludes which gave Drake ample chance to shine.

The society’s admirable programme notes enabled one to follow the words and Watts gave full expression to it all, but it was a relief to hear two lovely encores by Faure and Bridge.

The next recital on November 9 is by pianist Olivia Sham; details at riponconcerts.co.uk.

Peter Bevan