Helen Collier recital

Press, 29 August 1986, Page 4

Helen Collier recital

Helen Collier (piano) at the Centre Gallery, Arts Centre, yesterday at Lit p.m. Reviewed by Roger Flury.

The latest recital in the "Out to Lunch" series featured a visiting pianist, Helen Collier, playing works by Haydn, Schumann, Honegger, and Gershwin.

Haydn’s Sonata No. 33, which opened the programme, was given a most satisfying reading. Dynamics had been carefully considered, and there was shape and purpose behind the polished technique. At first, it seemed that the heavy touch of the piano would take its toll in subtlety. The good intentions were there, but often the notes refused to sound, particulafjly in the left hancfc

However, Ms Collier’s experience soon overcame the problem.

Schumann’s “Faschingschwank aus Wien,” Op. 26 was played with considerable drive and energy. Ms Collier is a pianist who takes risks, and they don’t always come off. However, note-perfect pianists are seldom the most interesting, and Ms Collier commanded attention and respect. The “Romanze” did not amount to much, but the other movements went particularly well, with the Finale bringing the work to an exhilarating end.

The best thing about Honegger’s "Sept Pieces Breves” is that they live up to their title. This music is brash and pretentious, but the pianist

carried it off with great verve and humour. It was with relief that we moved on to Gershwin’s . Three Preludes. Once again Ms Collier caught the right feel. The nervy, jazz rhythms were there from the outset, but the second Prelude could have relaxed a little more. Even the third Prelude, though well played, sounded a bit of a scramble, and would have benefited from a little more control.

Taken as a whole, this was a most enjoyable recital. Helen Collier has a delightful stage manner, and her comments on the music were brief and helpful. What a shame that such honest, intelligent musicianship was heard by so few. <