Andreas Brantelid and Konstantin Shamray in concert

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https://recitalsaustralia.org.au/sessions/25/tickets

Date Reviewed: 23/09/2019

Review written by Barry Hill

If the violin is the King of stringed instruments then the cello is surely the Queen (even though she has a deeper voice).

In the hands of Andreas Brantelid, the cello sings, soars and plummets to the depths ably partnered by Konstantin Shamray’s virtuosic piano accompaniment.

Brantelid and Shamray both have a love of Russian music and share that passion with us for around 2 hours.

Set in the hallowed setting of Elder Hall with its wood panelling, arches, organ and plaster detail, the acoustics are perfect for this duo.

Brantelid and Shamray present a program from three Russian composers – the little-known Nikolai Myaskovsky, the better-known Dimitri Shostakovich and the great Sergei Rachmaninoff, plus an unexpected encore.

From the deep, sonorous beginning of Myaskovsky’s Sonata for Cello and Piano No.1 in D Major (Op.12) seemingly emanating from the bowels of the cello to the synchronicity of the two instruments, Brantelid makes the cello seem like a human voice as he is caught up in the passion of the music, playing using his whole body and ‘feeling every note’. It is though the cello is an extension of his body.

Shamray is a virtuoso, sailing through treacherous passages easily and taking us on a sweeping journey.

Shostakovich’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor (Op.40) is a complete contrast, written under immense political pressure and sounding like an aria for cello and piano, the long sweeping passages of cello quickly change to swirling piano/cello passages that assault the ear like a tidal wave.

After a sad quality to the lento section with a sense of solitude and quiet at the end, alternating furious and placid sections abound from both players as if seeming to challenge each other but also remain separate.

Sergei Rachmanioff’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in D Minor (Op.40), famous in its own right, soars with passion as the ultimate romantic piece of music written for these two instruments and players.

Initially haunting and undulating, it quickly shifts to a Russian style of melody before the technically demanding allegro scherzando for both instruments.

Quietening to an andante tempo the piece suddenly becomes almost inspiring in its composition before sweeping us to a triumphant conclusion in the allegro mosso, a truly brilliant movement!

As if that wasn’t enough Brantelid and Shamray present an encore, Russian of course and gloriously lyrical.

Touring Australia, Brantelid and Shamray would have had limited time to rehearse together but this is certainly not evident in performance, they perform as one, each with a passion for mother Russia.

Sponsored by Galina Podgoretsky to celebrate Rod Crewther’s birthday this evening of Russian masters for cello and piano is a delight from start to finish!