2:47pm Monday 15th March 2010
By Brian Paynes
THREE elegant Japanese sisters - the Fujita Piano Trio - mesmerised members of the Kendal Midday Concert Club with unforgettable readings of Haydn’s Gypsy Trio in G and Schubert’s Trio in B flat D 898.
The sisters performed from memory throughout and although Conservatoires do not currently recommend this practice for chamber music, it contributed immeasurably to the effectiveness of the performances.
Whilst, here and there, there were debatable issues re use of vibrato and also bowing technique, their ensemble was overall absolutely stunning; balance, phrasing, tone quality, dynamic range and technical dexterity were all immaculate (although some did say “too immaculate, too reminiscent of a production line”).
Haydn demands sensitivity: he certainly was afforded it.
I remember the phrasing throughout, (not always to my liking, but flawlessly musical), the ravishing, intimate slow movement, the sparkling passage work and authentic gypsy wildness of the Finale.
‘Beauty’ was ever-present in the Schubert. Delicate, flowing melodic lines, textural clarity, serenity, powerful dexterous passages, superb phrasing - all, and more, were there.
Frank Bridge’s Allegretto provided the icing on the cake!
“Sublime” was one lady’s verdict.
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