London Bridge Ensemble,

Kendal Town Hall

The London Bridge Ensemble recently graced the Kendal Midday Concert Club’s stage with a programme of mainly unfamiliar works – ‘Phantasia’ Piano Quartet H.94 (Bridge), Lachrymae Op 48 (Britten) and Piano Quartet Op 47 (Schumann). They presented not only a wide range of idioms but also technical and emotional demands that were all pleasingly and persuasively surmounted.The performances of the two quartets – both possessing lush Romantic textures – witnessed the ensemble in full command of matters of balance (not always a skill found during these concerts). The violinist, violist and cellist blended beautifully, producing lovely sounds that alternated between the richly-intense and the delicately-airy and whimsical. The pianist - linchpin of such an ensemble - was always aware of his role (whether to lead or accompany). All are fine musicians and many were the opportunities for displays of exciting virtuosity, subtleties of phrasing and stylistic awareness.

During her reading of Britten’s Lachrymae (not an easy work to fully appreciate on one hearing) the violist, in convincingly embracing a wide variety of moods and unusual technical devices, showed herself to be completely au fait with Britten’s stylistic challenges. Her pianist was the ideal partner.

Brian Paynes