A concert of skill and satisfaction

Music / “The Archduke”, Selby & Friends – Kathryn Selby, piano; Dimity Hall, violin; Julian Smiles, cello. At Llewellyn Hall, July 21. Reviewed by LEN POWER.

IT was unfortunate that violinist Natalie Chee, due to play in the Selby & Friends concert at Llewellyn Hall, had become yet another victim of covid this week. Luckily, violinist Dimity Hall was able to replace her and join Kathryn Selby and Julian Smiles for this Canberra concert.

The concert began with Australian composer Miriam Hyde’s “Fantasy Trio in b minor, Op. 26”. Composed in London in 1933 when Hyde was aged 20, this is a short but beautiful work full of emotion and reflection. It was beautifully played by the trio.

The second item was to have been a work by Anton Arensky but, because of the artist change, it was replaced with Beethoven’s “Cello Sonata no. 5 in D Major, Op. 102, no. 2”. Selby and Smiles performed it.

The performance of this work was outstanding. Smiles’ cello playing of the quietly emotional second movement was clearly heartfelt and both he and Selby gave the impression that they were sharing something profound.They also clearly enjoyed playing the jaunty and bright third movement.

After interval, the trio played the concert’s showcase work, the “Piano Trio in B flat major, Op. 97, Archduke”, composed in 1810-11. It was dedicated to Beethoven’s patron and friend, Archduke Rudolph of Austria.

The first movement, with its familiar romantic melody and the contrasting light-hearted second movement were skilfully played.

The third movement, with its ethereal quality was played with great feeling and was the highlight of this work.The boisterous and fun fourth movement brought the concert to a satisfying close.