Bach, Beethoven sonatas aired

Press, 15 June 1978, Page 6

Bach, Beethoven sonatas aired

By C. FOSTER BROWNE f Anthony Ferner andl Dobbs Franks began the) Wednesday at One recital at, the Arts Centre with Bach's) Sonata for Flute and Contin uo. BWV 1034 Mr Ferner, whose tone is> always lively and of ex-, cellent quality, played with stylish flow and with impec-| cable phrasing. Mr Franks p aving the continuo part on I the niano. kept the tone tri’ so far as it is possible with-1I in the harpsichord's range ef,! volume. ' j The sonata began in slowh and measured strains, having] appealing dignity as well asj immaculate melodic shaping. '

'The second movement, an illegro. had attractive and I joyful melodic structure ! coming forth so clearly and I -heerfully. The last move-1 meat was typical of Bach in| merry mood and rounded off I he performance with elan, -i Ruth Pear! and Dobbs I c ranks then gave us an ea-I terly awaited performance! of Beethoven’s Sonata fori I Violin and Piano 0p.24. This) '•s his “Spring Sonata” andi one of the most Jolly and| -ewarding of them all.' Beethoven has been well! served this week with a. splendid performance on i Tuesday by Mr Heath Lees of the piano sonata in C major on the piano, and'

i with this exciting and com-; 1 panionable work yesterday, i H The first movement began) las though there were' a -'smile on the face of Nature, iland with glorious unfolding) fjof melodies combining in* -tricately, set a radiant scene.' ilThe second movement had a; • (nostalgic melody of serene I ('happiness, played with ex-i ■ quisite moulding of tone, 1 ■and singing with mellow i gentleness. In the scherzo,! i canonic in form and of effervescent happiness, the es-i I sential insouciance was i .somewhat dimmed because! 'the piano part was too ; strong, but amiability and Igeniality ruled the day I throughout the last moveIment.