Critic

These three Hungarian musicians, of differing ages and varying degrees of fame, make an intriguing mixture. On this occasion the outcome was a series of performances of the highest distinction.

Beethoven’s E flat Trio op.70 no.2 immediately established the pattern of the evening, Gábor Takács-Nagy and Péter Szabó matching their phrasing with a spontaneity that suggested they had prepared diligently. Pianist Dénes Várjon was the joker in the pack, sometimes letting this enthusiasm run away with him but always playing with life and rhythmic lift.

Mendelssohn’s C minor made an interesting contrast with the tightly argued, punchy performance delivered recently in this hall by the Moscow Trio. The Hungarian strings favoured longer bow strokes but were just as eloquent in their own way, while Várjon alternately urged them on and – in the heartfelt Andante espressivo – supported them.

Honegger’s little F minor movement, a student piece receiving its UK premiere, came over quite strongly thanks to the dedicated performance. And a Schumann G minor of power allied to lyricism was a riposte, in its welcome clarity, to the cloudy D minor the Vienna Piano Trio had offered five nights earlier.

Tully Potter

The Strad
July 2000