THERE was a particularly good attendance at Darlington Piano Society’s latest recital for the second visit here by John Paul Ekins who again showed that as well as being a persuasive pianist he is a good communicator with his brief introductions to each piece a help to one’s appreciation and enjoyment.

Richard Addinsell’s The Warsaw Concerto, written for the 1941 film Dangerous Moonlight, began with a suitably bravura approach to this heavily romantic work.

His eloquent introduction to Chopin’s Ballade No. 2 prepared one for the marked contrasts between the gentle opening theme and its brutal successor.

Liszt’s Ballade No. 2, inspired by the legend of Hero and Leander, is full of musical representations of its dramatic scenes but entirely valid just as a musical piece with some memorable themes and a carefully balanced structure.

The final turmoil was extremely dramatic and exciting, dashed off with considerable skill and clarity by Ekins before the exquisite ending which held the audience silently in a long pause.

Schubert’s final Sonata No. 21, D960 had been especially prepared by the soloist for this recital.

Beginning rather cautiously and deliberately, the combination of calmness and tension seems to reflect Schubert’s awareness of his fatal illness.

Ekins demonstrated a wonderful ability to cope with the quickly changing moods and tempos, contrasting the loud and soft passages very effectively in a most impressive performance.

The Society’s next concert on Sunday, February 21, features Viv McLean performing Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations; details at dpiano.co.uk or call 01325 401061.

Peter Bevan