The concert presented by the Seraphim Trio, in the Art gallery of Ballarat last Saturday, included violist Martin Alexander for two important piano quartets. The Australian National Academy of Music's ANAM Artists program supports its alumni with concerts like this, putting the best young musicians onto the concert stage with established ensembles. The result was an outstanding display of musicianship and virtuosity.
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The Haydn Piano Trio No.39, "Gypsy", opened the concert, setting the tone with energy and variety. The three movements complemented each other with contrast and certainty of direction, particularly the second with its beautiful lyricism and the carefree Hungarian Rondo which drove the work to its wild conclusion.
The Mozart K478 and the Dvorak Op.87 Piano Quartets are complex and highly developed works which challenge and reward the performers. Violist Alexander fitted in neatly with the other musicians in bringing out the variety of textures and sudden contrasts.
The violin/viola combination in the Mozart was expertly handled while the broader orchestral sections of the Dvorak were fully realized. The second movement of the Dvorak, with its focus on the 'cello, became an intensely beautiful song without words, supported by sensitive piano support.
The precision in the playing overall was a joy to witness.