Michael Houstoun

Press, 10 March 1984, Page 8

Michael Houstoun

Michael Houstoun. Lunchtime recital, James Hay Theatre. Friday, March 9, Lil pun. Reviewed by Margaret Bochaaan. This recital, played to an over-full hall, culminated a series of lunchtime performances in which Michael Hwstoun played music by Chopin and Beethoven. Yesterday’s recital was devoted entirely to music by Beethoven: his Sonata in D, (£lO, No. 3 and the ApDusioiuta”. Once the computeriS gremlins had been Lrted out for worried tjjket-holders, the

was able to get under way, this time only a few minutes late.

Already by this early work Beethoven had established a mature, dramatic style of writing for the Eiano, and Michael Housiun captured its brooding intensity especially in the slow movement, largo e mesto. The powerful outbursts contrasted with sudden dynamic changes in the finale and the audience was held spellbound to the last note.

The “Appassionata,” Op. 57 in F minor, is a colossal sonata and in this recital

Michael Houstoun gave an absorbing performance, demonstrating total control, and concentration. His breadth of scope in interpretation was indeed very personal and memorable, and in his playing he evoked the mysterious depths of Beethoven’s psyche. The finale was passionate and fervent with the quicker section displaying an electrifying attack. ■nils was an unforgettable performance, and for many would be the finest playing of Beethoven ever heard from Michael Houston.