GEORGE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - To those Georgians who didn’t attend the opening concert of the George Music Society year, you missed a truly wonderful concert. This was the very welcome return visit of cellist, Mattia Zappa and pianist, Massimiliano Mainolfi.
They opened their programme with the sprightly Gamba Sonata No. 3 in g minor BWV 1029. This sonata was originally written for Viola da Gamba and harpsichord and is one of Bach’s more lighthearted works. The first movement sounds like a conversation between the instruments.
The second is a meditative and dreamy work followed by a very sprightly allegro. The piece required nimble finger work that both these musicians applied with obvious enjoyment.
The second work on the programme was Samuel Barber’s (1910-1981) Cello Sonata Op.6 written while finishing off his studies. It is an intense dramatic and complex work requiring a virtuoso technique from both the players as the dynamics, tempi and moods are constantly changing. Zappa’s cello has a beautiful sonorous tone and he gave us the full range during the first movement. The second movement was skittish and the work ended with a furious and passionate allegro. There was a moment of stunned silence followed by tumultuous applause.
After the interval we heard Ad Aeternam by Daniel Schnyder. This piece was composed in memory of his great friend and cellist, Daniel Pezzotti. It is an emotional work and an honest tribute to his friend and colleague and it was beautifully executed.
The final work of the evening was Beethoven’s Sonata for Cello and piano Op. 69. This is a towering work giving equal importance to both instruments. It was given a stunning rendition by both the musicians. Zappa plays with passion and the instrument becomes an extension of the player. Mainolfi is a versatile and sympathetic accompanist and the two men enjoy a great rapport. As an encore, we were treated to Ennio Morricone’s Theme from Cinema Paradiso that rounded off a most enjoyable evening.
During the afternoon Zappa and Mainolfi conducted a master class for music pupils in George. These classes play an important role in the lives of music students and the class was well attended by enthusiastic students and their hard working teachers. It was good to see many of the youngsters at the concert as well.
I hope Zappa and Mainolfi return to us soon as they are only a pleasure to listen to.
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