Les Chansons Instrumentales part 1, Ailish Tynan (soprano), James Baillieu (piano)

Such musical variety, teasing, flirting, liquid, rhapsodic, full-cry – and that’s just the piano! Add an effervescent soprano with flawless technique and an endearing personality, then you have a perfect recital. Some songs were jolly, some sad, in French, Venetian dialect, nonsense and even humming, all were characterised so clearly that the lyrics and translations were not essential (and became invisible as the light faded). The communication with the audience was surpassed only by the rapport and trust between these two exceptional performers. He was there supporting her every nuance, while her confidence and charm allowed him some moments of magic.

Part 2 – Friday 17 May, same venue.

All Saints Church, 15 May 2013

Rating: