Review: Phillip Fawcett Piano Recital, The Chapel, University of Cumbria.
FOLLOWING the success of his concerts throughout the North West last year, Lancaster-based pianist Phillip Fawcett gave another superb recital last Friday in the ideal acoustic of The Chapel of Cumbria University. His generously filled programme feat
ured music by Bach, Brahms, Liszt, Mozart, Grieg and David Jennings.
The Bach Prelude and Fugue in C sharp was an ideal curtain raiser and a good showcase for the pianist's crisp articulation. It's curious how Bach is always the composer of choice when it comes to beginning a concert - his assertive and positive keyboard works are perfect material for launching a substantial evening of music as well as providing an excellent warm up for the pianist's fingers!
Phillip Fawcett is totally in turn with Grieg's music and this was plainly in evidence in the next work in the recital, the famous 'Holberg Suite', a tribute by a 19th century composer to the Baroque period. Needless to say, the performance was completely idiomatic and full of charm. Mr Fawcett has recently released a disc of Grieg's music, which should be a great success.
The Brahms Intermezzo in E flat is one of his slighter works, yet received a performance of affectionate warmth. Mozart's attractive yet lightweight Sonata in C was played with exceptional clarity, with every note ringing out truthfully. This pianist plays Mozart with especial understanding and this rendition reminded me of his lovely performance of that composer's B flat Sonata in Lancaster Cathedral last year.
The most remarkable part of the recital was a premiere of a new Piano Sonata by David Jennings. This Sonata, his first, was described in Phillip Fawcett's programme notes as "a major contribution to piano literature" and my gut instinct is that he was right. This work made a powerful impression in its compelling sense of musical drama. We must hear this music again soon!
The evening closed with three famous piano gems by Liszt, his Liebestraum ('Dreams of Love'), Consolation and Mephisto Waltz. All were played with great subtlety and panache. This was a superb evening of music making.
