Event Details
Programme to include:
Schubert Notturno in Eb major D897
Mendelssohn Piano trio in C minor Op 66
Schubert Piano trio in Bb major D 898
The Trio Wanderer’s choice of name pays homage to Schubert and, more widely, to German Romanticism. Acclaimed for its extraordinarily sensitive style, for the almost telepathic understanding the musicians have for one another and for technical mastery, the Trio Wanderer is one of the world’s foremost chamber ensembles.
Vincent Coq piano
Jean-Marc Phillips-Varjabedian violin
Raphael Pidoux cello
Friday evening’s concert with the Trio Wanderer was a great way to set up all of the music that followed it this weekend. Their Mendelssohn and Schubert programme was full of the qualities of the Schubertiad, and their level of artistry set a very high standard. Trio playing is among the most demanding of chamber music making, with each instrument fulfilling the full requirements of its range and capabilities. Among the Wanderer’s musicians, pianist Vincent Coq is an understated wunderkind, capable of fireworks and seemingly effortless strings of pearly notes. Gloriously hyphenated Jean-Marc Philips-Varjabedian and Raphael Pidoux are equal masters of their craft, playing in a manner so blended, you would think their violin and cello were one instrument. The Great Hall projects sound up towards the beautiful vaulted ceiling, and what comes across is occasionally blurred and weighted towards the piano. That said, the Trio Wanderer’s interpretations are pristine and more easily measured by their clarity of style and approach. Schubert’s mastery of melody was safe in their hands, a golden tribute to a composer whose rich and priceless legacy was so ably examined in this weekend’s Belfast Music Society feast of the best in chamber music.