Concert review: Kristin Lee (violin) Michael Stephen Brown (piano)

Kristin Lee and Michael Stephen Brown brought a wonderful recital of what they described as ‘American composers and sounds’ to Lincoln Center. They began with Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro which displayed Lee’s strikingly powerful sound. Ives’s Sonata no.4 followed, with the musicians effectively revealing the structure and character of the work. Bloch’s Second Violin Sonata concluded the first half, with the two players rising to its demands with a mix of emotionalism, passion and tireless energy.

Performed with rhythmic vivacity and finesse, John Adams’s Road Movies provided a great contrast to the Bloch. The musicians revelled in the characterisation of the outer movements, with Lee’s soulful playing in the second truly the emotional heart of the programme. Amy Beach’s Romance showcased the beauty of Lee’s sound, with luscious vibrato and astounding bow control.

The official programme ended with Igor Frolov’s virtuosic Concert Fantasy on Themes from Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’, which allowed both performers to show off. Lee’s impressive double stops, harmonics and brilliant runs were all played with mastery and skill. Two encores allowed the duo’s true artistry to shine – the ‘Blues’ movement from Ravel’s Violin Sonata and Dvořák’s Songs My Mother Taught Me.

LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH