3 May - Madeleine Mitchell and Noriko Ogawa at Royal Leamington Spa

When Madeleine Mitchell told me about her recital at the Leamington Music Festival a while ago, I thought I’d never make it simply because it is such a long way.   I admit my driving skills are pretty good these days as I’m practicing it everyday for the past few years doing school and activity runs for our three children.  I had, however, never driven so long or so far by motorway by myself, so I felt a bit nervous.  Nevertheless, encouraged by the gorgeous weather and the fact that Madeleine will perform at Breinton in the coming 2011 – 2012 season, I made the decision to go there.  And it was certainly very worthwhile!

The recital featured Madeleine Mitchell on violin accompanied by Noriko Ogawa on piano at The Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa as part of their annual festival.  What a gorgeous venue; with high ceilings, the airy space provided beautiful acoustics with windows high up on the walls that allowed in plenty of light.  It really was heavenly listening to this fabulous music in such a beautiful environment.

The first piece was Dvorak Sonatina in G.  It was the last chamber composition Dvorak wrote during his years in America, where he was director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City.  I thought it was a very fresh and joyful piece to start the recital.  The first movement was cheerful and bouncy, contrasting with the nostalgic second movement.

This was followed by Un Poco Triste, by Josef Suk, another Czech composer.  I did not know until I did a bit of research that Suk was taught by Dvorak, and that he married Dvorak’s eldest daughter.  This was such a wonderfully melancholic piece, literally “a little bit sad” (I know what “un poco triste” means!) and beautifully and sensitively played.  Wikipedia says his early works were influenced by Dvorak and Brahms; and this piece was followed by Brahms Sonata No. 3.  Perhaps Madeleine intended this thread in her programme?

I love all of Brahms Sonatas, but No. 3 is at the top of my list.  It is dynamic, energetic, desperate, passionate, dark and agitating.  I was delighted to see this piece on the programme – worthwhile travelling for, right?  The 3rd  Movement Adagio was just dazzling with an absolutely beautiful melody, fully expressed, like singing, and I particularly liked Madeleine’s vibrato which I found very natural.  The movement finished serenely and followed straight into the forceful 4th movement.   Again, such a contrast and it was very effective.  Noriko’s passionate and powerful playing suited this Sonata. 

Kreisler’s Libesleid followed, and encore was Elgar’s Salut d’Amor.   It was a lunchtime concert which was just under one hour, but I would’ve loved to listen to them longer.

I met both Madeleine and Noriko back stage after the concert for a chat.  It was delightful to meet them - they are such lovely people.  Noriko is just about the most well-known Japanese pianist and there is nothing arrogant about her. I am glad that I made the effort to be there!