Pip Clarke (Violin)
&
Havilland Willshire (Piano)
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It is 11 years since Havilland last played for us on Saturday 5th October 2013. As usual he gave us a magnificent piano recital. We are therefore very pleased to welcome him back at last. This visit he is partnered by Pip Clarke on violin. She has performed throughout the world as a soloist with many orchestras.
Here is a PDF of the Poster for this Concert (click to VIEW or right click to SAVE). Please feel free to print and display the poster to help publicise this concert.
Programme (announced 31st August)
Beethoven: Violin and Piano Sonata No. 8 in G Major op. 30 no. 3
(3 movements)
Clara Schumann: Three Romances for Violin and Piano op. 22
(3 pieces)
Manuel de Falla: Suite of Spanish Folksongs for Violin and Piano
(6 pieces)
I N T E R V A L
Chausson: Poeme op 25
Wieniawski: Fantaisie Brillante sur Faust op 20
(4 movements)
Brief Report “on the night”
A wonderful start to our new season of concerts. Havilland first told us how the violin began as a junior instrument to the piano, but gradually increased in importance. By the time of the first (Beethoven) piece they were equal partners, by the time of the last (Wieniawski) the Violin was seen as much more important than the piano. The artists then carefully explained each piece before playing it.
The first piece was by Beethoven and had the audience spell-bound. The second (by Clara Schumann) confirmed that this was going to be a thrilling concert. Havilland had described the last romance as being almost unplayable on the piano and the tempo marking which translated as “Passionately Fast” was certainly true. The first half finished with 6 folksongs by Manual de Falla which sent me into a dream-world before bringing me back with a jolt as the music turned revengeful.
After the interval, Chausson’s “Poeme” was delightful, The final Fantasy (by Wieniawski) was a fitting culmination which left us wanting more. They gave us an encore of a Tchaikovsky Melody and then departed to yet more applause.
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Press Report
Wow! What a fantastic start to the 35th season of concerts! There is something quite visceral about being so close to the performers that is missing with chamber music in larger halls. A good-sized audience braved the weather to hear Pip Clarke (violin) and Havilland Willshire (piano) provide an evening of increasingly technically difficult music played with certainty and panache.
The recital began with Beethoven’s Violin and Piano Sonata, Opus 30 No. 3. Havilland explained that this showed the composer beginning to push the boundaries, but with a balance between the instruments. As time passed the violin assumed greater prominence.
Clara Schumann was one of the best pianists of her generation. She also composed a lot of music, including the Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Opus 22. These had a much warmer feel than the classical tones of Beethoven.
Manuel de Falla created a suite of Spanish folk songs and produced a version for violin and piano. There were six altogether, on themes of love and relationships.
After the interval they played Chausson’s Poème. Originally a piece for violin and orchestra this transcription worked well. They finished with the Fantaisie Brillante sur Faust by Wieniawski. This used tunes from Gounod’s opera and was challenging for both performers. As an encore they played an enchanting Melody by Tchaikovski.
Below are 2 close-up photographs taken during rehearsal by photography student Molly Bennett:
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For more information about Pip Clarke visit her own website (in a new window), by clicking HERE
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