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1 Oct 2003 : Trio champions musical genre
From the opening bars of Ahi by Gareth Farr, written in 1998, it was clearly evident that these intuitive musicians are splendid champions of the chamber music of New Zealand.
The anchor of the group, Sarah Watkins on the piano, made beautiful melodic sense of a demanding score. The work captured the listener through the thorough understanding of its linear intent. Climaxes were exquisitely judged and never uncomfortable. Strong leadership from Justine Cormack, violin, and warm tonal quality from Ashley Brown, made the work memorable. I wondered why the curiously derivative last movement shouldn’t have prefixed the strong Shostakovich-like third movement.
Piano trio in d minor by Mendelssohn was mouth-watering. Once again, wonderfully warm, musical playing from Sarah Watkins and assured, intelligent fluidity from all three. The Andante was a tear-jerker with perfect poise on the falling phrase, a Mendelssohn interpretative requirement. Don’t miss this trio next time!
Paul Ellis, Christchurch Star
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