Alexander Panfilov (piano)

It took just a few chords to conjure up a sultry Spanish scene with Albéniz’s colourful vignettes from ‘Iberia’, Book 1. ‘Evocación’, ‘El Puerto’ and ‘Fête Dieu à Seville’ led us happily through a selection of romantic Andalucian scenarios.

Paderewski’s Nocturne No 4 in B flat major Op 16 was not as interesting. Confusingly, it was followed without any break for applause by Prokofiev’s ‘Stalingrad’ Sonata, a complex, compact and demanding work that was a stark contrast to the previous items in this short programme. The substantial encore, Schubert’s A Major Impromptu, provided a beautifully refreshing climax to the concert.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 17 May 2018

Rating: