A PARTICULARLY attractive programme for the Cathedral Concert Society’s latest recital combined two contrasting masterpieces, the piano quintets of Schumann and Shostakovich.

For this performance the Ensemble Elata comprised Tom Norris and Eleanor Fagg on violins, Philip Dukes viola, Louis Tuck cello and Anna Tilbrook piano.

They opened with two short works by Schumann; I’d previously only heard the Adagio and Allegro, Op. 70 played by cello and piano but it seemed equally suited to viola with Philip Dukes producing a rich, full sound, especially in the opening slow movement.

The Three Fantasiestucke, Op. 73, were performed on cello and piano with a playful and cheerful second piece and a lively if not quite fiery third one.

With the Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57 the players moved up a gear with a superb performance which showed how carefully the composer had balanced the string ensemble against the piano.

After the interval we heard Shostakovich’s Five Pieces for two violins and piano showing Shostakovich’s lighter, tuneful side.

Then to Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E flat, Op. 44, one of several superb chamber works written in a flurry of activity in 1842.

It’s a wonderfully invigorating piece and the Elata brought out its drive and the contrasts in a joyful performance positively bursting with energy and ideas.

The society’s next recital by the Classic Buskers on Monday, February 6, features the Horns of Opera North; details at riponconcerts.co.uk.

Peter Bevan