Reverie, Rhapsody & Romance, Adam Leclercq (piano)

Liszt’s transcriptions of Schubert songs need to sing, and we could almost hear the words in this spirited performance. We experienced a kaleidoscope of sensations – calm (Du bist die Ruh), nervous (Gretchen am Spinnrade), Gothic (Erlkönig) and amorous (Sei mir gegrüst & Ständchen). The Chopin polonaises (‘Militaire’ and ‘Héroique’) cleared the palette before Liszt’s Liebesträume and the grand finale – the Kreisler/Rachmaninoff Liebesfreud.

This rich and passionate programme was excellently delivered, showing the full worth of the new piano in this venue, which is still grieving for the loss of its Steinway Grand in the fire of Christmas 2010.

St Paul’s Church West Street, 5 May 2012
Rating:
Andrew Connal