Paul Lewis

How does one sum up a programme of beautiful music delivered by such a fine performer? Brilliant on almost every level? Well indeed, Lewis is quite brilliant, coaxing from the piano the most eloquent renderings of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and finally Weber. The Bach had a surprisingly symphonic feel to it, a fullness beneath the complexity. The Beethoven was both grand and yet delicate, again Lewis pulling from his instrument the most incredible depth of sound. Chopin he delivered with delightful style, a set of waltzes, one all too familiar but performed here with wit and a sense of delight that made one re-listen not only to the popular start and finish of the piece but also to the less familiar middle section. Weber, which Lewis is championing, was bombastic, a big and somewhat burly work that was not exactly to my taste, but at his hands it was fascinating to hear and no doubt played with a deep conviction. An encore of Schubert has the audience filled with pure delight.

Glyndebourne

24 May

Andrew Kay

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