Culture: Karin and Doris Adam Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham

Summary

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For an unnerving moment I thought my ears were deceivingme. Instead of launching into the G major Sonata of Ravel, as billed, Karin and Doris Adam chose to begin their recital with the second item on the programme, Grieg's Violin Sonata No. 1. The aural adjustment was quickly made: after all, who could mistake one for the other?

This talented duo certainly didn't. Grieg's melodic outpourings soared with vibrant tone and expressive richness - the lyrically ebullient finale joyously so - while the Ravel, though warmly conveyed overall, often suggested an air of subtly sardonic detachment, notably in the jazzinspired slow movement. With its banjo-plucking effects, bitonality and sleazy violin portamentos sounding as weird as Charles Ives in a smoke-filled speakeasy.

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Culture: Karin and Doris Adam Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham

When they came to Elgar's ...

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