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Bruce Hodges attends the Perelman Theater, Philadelphia, PA, US, on 23 April 2026 for the performance of Beethoven, Bacewicz, Enescu, Karl Goldmark and Schnittke
With so much string literature available, it is energising to encounter an inquisitive mind, eager to explore less trodden paths. In this invigorating recital, violinist Tai Murray and pianist Gilles Vonsattel showed that Beethoven remains a pinnacle for good reason, but perhaps another ‘B’ is worth considering. In recent years, the violinist and composer Grażyna Bacewicz (1909–69) has ascended in recognition. Her Oberek no.1 and Humoresque – two encore-worthy miniatures – combined to create a sparkling interlude between Beethoven’s op.23 Sonata and Enescu’s Sonata in F minor op.6.
The two bookends (all before the interval) were dispatched on the quiet side, and in the Beethoven, the balance favoured the piano a bit heavily. But when the Enescu pulled into view, order had been restored, and this sinuous, enigmatic work made an engrossing counterweight to ‘business as usual’.
The real treat came in the second half, with Karl Goldmark’s Suite in D major, one of the most ingratiating pieces that no-one has ever heard. (Until this recital, I had never seen it programmed.) Its five charming movements offer ample opportunities for both fireworks and melodious legato, and both benefited from Murray’s instrument, c.1765 by Tommaso Balestrieri of Mantua.
An unconventional encore followed: Alfred Schnittke’s ‘Tango in a Madhouse’ from his 1992 opera, Life with an Idiot. Its quirky, nostalgic strains provided an ideal, gentle postscript.
BRUCE HODGES
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