The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Barry Plaxen

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY (August 7, 2011) – The Grand Finale Weekend of Chamber Music (WCM) concert on July 23 at the Eddie Adams Farm in Jeffersonville was no surprise. Once again, this group of world class musicians added to their already outstanding reputation with another exquisitely performed, highly innovative and inspired program.

Max Reger’s “Serenade in G major, Op. 141a” for Flute, Violin and Viola opened the concert. Artistic Director and flutist, Judith Pearce (photo left), seemed to have a strong simpatico for this piece as she happily communicated her technical skill to the appreciative audience with much joy and beauty. That is not to say that violinist Nurit Pacht (photo right) and violist Dov Scheindlin did not also play superbly. The piece itself was a happy surprise, as it was unfamiliar to most, if not all, of the audience.

WCM newcomer, clarinetist Pascal Archer (photo below), joined with regulars Tannis Gibson (photo below) on piano and Caroline Stimson (cello) for a massively moving performance of Brahms’ “Trio in a minor, Op.114.” Archer, a last minute replacement, played as if he and his colleagues have been performing together for years. These three master musicians made the performance of this work one of the standout highlights of the WCM concerts that I have been attending since 2004. The deeply intense Brahmsian piece succeeded in moving many in the audience, including myself, to tears with its passion and its melodic and harmonic inspiration(s). A true masterpiece.

After the intermission, Archer (photo left) delighted the audience with solo clarinet music from the pen of Manuel De Falla. In the Brahms trio he excelled with his phrasing mastery and with De Falla’s music his charisma and whimsical nature was most entertaining.

The very lyrical “Two Arias arranged for Clarinet and String Trio” by Ottorino Respighi was another much appreciated work. Again, Archer, Pacht, Scheindlin (photo left below) and Stinson (photo right below) gave us another example of perfection, bringing forth all that was inherent in the music.

The concert ended with a “different Brahmsian” genre. This was his Piano Quartet in g minor, Op.25, an early work that was much lighter than the Opus 114 Trio. Though the concert ended on a happy note (pun intended), one could not walk away forgetting the powerful impact of WCM concerts, the perfection of the world class musicians and the highly thoughtful programming of music of great value.

Thanks to all the musicians and the WCM staff for the wonderful 2011 concerts. We look forward to next year’s Festival.