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Wigmore Hall 29 Jan 2006 Menahem Pressler piano
Great to have the Beaux Arts back in London. Only the veteran pianist from the original line-up is still there, but Menahem Pressler remains undefatigable and his technique as fluent and secure as ever. This characteristic picture shows him attentive as always to his new Beaux Arts partners, his eyes never resting on the score for long. The Beethoven 'Ghost' was memorable; Daniel Hope forceful, an equal leader with the pianist. Antonio Meneses is a little less forward, but always prompt and with mellifluous tone. The new trio heard in Beethoven last Sunday have a lot of catching up to do. The two short novelties were delightful, and Mark Anthony Turnage came on platform to convey his feeling of privilege. Kurtág's two and a half minute piece received the rapt attention Pressler urged upon the audience. A pity they didn't repeat it as their encore, rather than Shostakovich to steer the audience into the foyer for the inevitable buying and signing session insited upon by record companies. Schubert's longest trio felt - long! Perhaps we were wilting, as it had followed Strauss at The Barbican that afternoon, when the great Mariss Jansons likewise had to endure the indignity of CD signing at the Commerce Point after Ein Heldenleben.
Credit: Christian Steiner |
