Review of Weymouth Sunday Concert, November 6th

For the second recital of their 71st season, Weymouth Music Club welcomed Savitri Grier (violin) and Jean-Sélim Abdemoula (piano) who produced a sumptuous programme.

The spirited opening of the first piece, a Mozart Violin Sonata in E minor, emphasised the effortless combination of the two musicians as well as their technical excellence. The piano initially took the lead, emphatic rippling chords with fluent sensitive backing from the mellow tones of the violin, which in turn led in a sparkling Tempo di Menuetto section followed by a resounding conclusion.

One of Ysaye’s sonatas for solo violin (A minor) had a melancholy opening, Malinconia, a sombre, lethargic mood with moments of animation, continuing with brilliant contrasting moods and atmosphere.

After the interval, Jean-Sélim played one of Schubert Moments Musicaux, his impressively confident touch with the rolling bass accompaniment created a depth of sound with moods varying from quietly reflective to assertive confident chords then to a poignant reflective section leading to a quiet conclusion. A sublime performance.

The last piece was the Ravel Sonata No 2 in G. The piano started with subdued chords with the violin leading in a higher register, then agitated passages enhanced by the piano followed by a plaintive passage with the two instruments merging harmoniously with a plaintive jazz-like section ‘Blues’.

The final movement, Perpetuum Mobile, was very impressive, a fitting climax to a faultless collaboration between the two musicians with their sensitive interpretation of moods and atmosphere complementing their technical brilliance.

The next Sunday concert is the Carducci Quartet, 3 pm on Sunday November 27th at Weymouth Bay Church.

MARGARET HULMES