CONCERT REVIEW

ERIC HONEYBOURNE MEMORIAL CONCERT

ST MARY'S CHURCH, WEYMOUTH

THIS concert was given by Eric Honeybourne's son Duncan in grateful acknowledgement of the huge benefits which Eric received from the Melcombe Day Hospital during the last four years of his life.

Duncan has received many international accolades for the quality of his piano playing, including 'terrific intensity' (International Record Review). No wonder that St Mary's Church was packed for his concert.

Duncan began with a memorable performance of Edmund Rubbra's Prelude and Fugue Op. 69. This was followed by Schumann's delightful Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), played with the utmost tenderness and skill. I have never heard it played better or more expressively.

Felix Mendelssohn's Variations Serieuses came next. These, though less well known than his songs without words are among his greatest piano works and superbly played. They were composed in 1841, towards the end of Mendelssohn's short life in 1841. His earlier works were composed when he was 11 years old!

Suncan Honeybourne's concert ended with a Suite de Pieces, Op. 24 by William Sterndale Bennett, 1816-1875. These were powerful pieces you could get your teeth into, plenty of virtuosity.

Duncan told us that this was the first time he had played them; but I do hope we shall hear this again.

Altogether an excellent concert.

*The next Weymouth Lunchtime Chamber Concert and last of the 2015-2016 season will be at 1pm on Wednesday June 15 in St Mary's Church, Weymouth.

JANET FERRETT