Andy Tyler reviews violin and piano recital as part of Music in the Burnhams at St Mary’s Church in Brancaster
Reviewer Andy Tyler shares his thoughts on a recent concert at St Mary’s Church in Brancaster…
Distinguished musicians South Korean violinist Joo Yeon Sir and pianist Irina Andrievsky recently gave a superb recital at Brancaster’s historic St Mary’s Church as part of Music in the Burnhams 2024 series of concerts.
The well-received programme consisted of music by Vitali, Clara Schumann, Edvard Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Igor Frolov and the violinist herself.
All the performances were passionately played with a rich, full tone, with both performers giving their all, balancing the passion with accuracy and delicacy when appropriate.
I am always pleased to hear pieces new to me, and Grieg’s first violin and piano sonata in G minor came as a revelation in musical terms, brimming with Norwegian folk melodies and all the energy and enthusiasm of youth.
Joo Yeon’s own composition, My Dear Bessie, was inspired by the relationship between Chris Barker and Bessie Moore during WWII and their subsequent sixty-year marriage.
Their son Peter commissioned the inspired and intriguing work. The technical challenges posed by the Kreisler pieces were executed with ease by the musicians. The charm and melodious nature of Clara's romances are conveyed effortlessly.
The programme concluded with the Concert Fantasy from Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess by Igor Frolov (1937-2013), full of glorious melodies and passion, and the encore was Elgar’s Salut d’Amour.
Both musicians perform widely, record, are prize winners, and play with famous orchestras and other well-known musicians.
Music in the Burnhams has had many musical successes during its existence and has a strong alliance with Burnham Market Primary School, introducing pupils to classical music and during performances of Mary Poppins last July, encouraged them to participate in and prepare for the show.
There are many exciting events being planned for the future,
Book now on 07989 177079.
