SOUTH Korean violinist Soh-Yon Kim and Estonian pianist Maksim Stsura gave one of the finest concerts of the season for Darlington Music Society.

There was a lovely conversational tone to the opening of Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 10, Op. 96 and indeed throughout the recital both musicians seemed very well balanced and particularly sensitive to each other’s needs.

The lovely adagio, perhaps darker than usual, was sombre and thoughtful which contrasted well with the brief scherzo which followed.

In comparison with this Debussy’s short Violin Sonata, his last completed work, seemed intensely concentrated.

Then with Schubert’s Grand Duo, Op. 162 we were back to sweeter and more lyrical music with a lively opening, a rather calm and soothing andantino and a vigorous finale.

Sarasate was regarded as one of the finest violinists of his generation and his Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) from 1878 was a demonstration piece to show off his virtuosity.

Soh-Yon Kim was well up to the challenge with a beautiful and consistently sweet sound, superbly accompanied by Maksim Stsura.

Saint-Saens’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso was also composed for Sarasate and again included suggestions of gypsy themes.

Although originally written for violin and orchestra it works well in this version for violin and piano and may even be preferred when played as well as this.

The Society’s next concert on Saturday, February 13 features pianist Jean-Selim Abdelmoula playing Schumann, Schubert, Janacek and Chopin; details at dms.btck.co.uk or call 01325 467163.

Peter Bevan