Kendal Midday Music Club, Clive WalkleyThe word ‘dazzling’ can be over-done when describing an instrumental performance;
but for the the Linos Piano Trio’s recital on November 29 it seems a highly appropriate term to use.
The ‘dazzle factor’ came not only from the three players’ technical virtuosity – although there was plenty of that on show – but additional factors:

their complete understanding of the musical structure of each piece on the programme; their sensitive shaping of phrases; their interpretation and, perhaps above all, the sheer beauty of their sound.

From the opening bars of Beethoven’s Trio in E flat op.1 no.1, it was obvious that we were in for something special: the bold forte opening chord followed by an almost casual tossing off of the quaver arpeggio figure which followed; then three more chords and another delicate arpeggio leading to the main theme. All this material is fairly commonplace and typical of an 18th century opening of a chamber work; it can sound perfunctory but in the hands of these players it had character all of its own.

The freshness of their interpretation continued throughout the work as they explored a wide range of dynamics, tone colours and moods.

The last movement, for example, came alive as the opening phrase was delightfully delivered in a light-hearted manner by the pianist, Prach Boondiskulchok, before his partners joined him to bring the work to a joyful conclusion

Prach Boondiskulchok’s piece, Prayer Lost in Smoke was, as he explained, inspired by his time on a meditation retreat in Thailand when he heard what he first thought was the out of tune chanting of nine forest monks. The piece was captivating, exploring a wide range of tone colours and textures – a soundscape, suggested by the foggy hills and smoky scent of forest fires, sounds of insects and the microtonal chanting of the monks.

The concert ended with a fine performance of Ravel’s Piano Trio. Again, it was the attention to detail that was so impressive as the trio explored the character of each movement.

What came across in this recital was the sheer joy of music making.

The two strings players for example – facing each other in front of the piano – constantly smiling as they communicated with each other. They appeared to know the music so well they hardly needed a score.

This was the group’s first visit to the club. Let us hope it will not be the last!