On first reading, the show’s title may sound almost childlike, reading like the name of a children’s music book. However, the musical pairing of internationally-renowned concert violinist Wolfgang David and composer and pianist David Gompper is something unquestionably more sophisticated.
The recital started strongly with Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, the violin initially being the principal focus and David demonstrating the versatility of sound that his instrument is capable of. Such technical flawlessness and such passionate playing was a compelling combination.
Gompper’s own composition entitled ‘Star of the County Down’ oozes an elegantly jarring sound and sees the two instruments work in tandem, demonstrating just how well-matched this musical partnership is.
Their performance of Grieg’s Sonata No.3 in C Minor was the afternoon’s apex, seeing the different dynamics achieved with a playful mastery. Dark and stormy from the beginning, there are dramatic flourishes from both piano and violin. Whilst the piano occasionally starts to play a more frontline role in this piece, David and Gompper deftly maintain the perfect balance required for this performance, with the bass notes of the piano proving the perfect foil for the aggressively jagged violin melodies.
The recital also proffered titular gems from Debussy, Prokofiev and Saint-Saëns wherein both David and Gompper maintained their smooth succinctness of sound. However, there seemed little continuity of theme or tone, with the pieces selected for performance sitting oddly together, culminating in the recital ending suddenly amidst the blurs of Saint- Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. Whilst it didn’t detract from the impressive performances, a more polished programme would have ensured that the lasting impression of Musical Gems for Violin and Piano was of this mastery of their craft, rather than an all too abrupt ending.
