Concerts in the West
February 5, 6 and 7 – Martin Cousin
First in the 2015 series
CONCERTS IN THE WEST’S 10th YEAR.
Martin Cousin has been a regular visitor to Concerts in the West and this piano recital had an authoritative ring
to it. In choosing music by giants of the keyboard – Beethoven, Brahms and Rachmaninov – Martin added
weight to the occasion. By choosing works less-often played, Beethoven’s G major Sonata (Op 31) and
Rachmaninov’s first set of Études-Tableaux, Martin was playing to his strengths while broadening our
experience of great composers’ creations.
Beethoven’s classical wit and humour were forcefully put over; sheer poetry and a dark hue were found in
Brahms’s Intermezzi (Op 117); and in the Rachmaninov, which Martin has recently recorded to great acclaim,
he displayed an amazing degree of virtuosity and relentless power where the composer (during his lifetime
one of the world’s great pianists) demanded it. It is said that in places Rachmaninov increased the level of
difficulty even beyond his own capability!
Almost as a bonus, Martin also introduced us to the entertaining Variations on a Polish Theme by the Russian
Liadov. This music was at its best when imitating the styles of nineteenth-century figures, in particular, Chopin
and Schumann. Even here, Martin’s musicianship was infectious.
In March (19-21) come the Skazki Piano Trio, bringing with them Shostakovich’s wonderful second trio,
Dvorak’s ‘Dumky’ Trio and Haydn’s most well-known trio the ‘Gypsy Rondo’. Not to be missed!
Anthony Pither 2015