Young Critic Review: TRIO MAZZOLINI and guests

When the Trio Mazzolini concluded the first half of their concert with a beautiful three-part arrangement of Ravel’s La Valse, I heard more than one member of the audience utter a discreet “wow”. Clearly, they were hoping not to be heard, and everyone immediately sank into a polite if excited chorus of applause. The enthusiastic exclamation, however, was certainly suited to the performance – both of La Valse and as a whole. From the opening of the concert, the Trio performed with elegance and confidence, beginning and ending with flair. Even when transformed into a quintet for their second-half presentation of Shubert’s Trout Quintet they remained in perfect time and harmony with each other. Each phrase was entered with a subtle nod or smile, ensuring precision throughout their masterful performance.

It was not only the audience who enjoyed themselves, but the musicians too – a genuine pleasure in the music was evident throughout in all five of those who played today, and their passionate performance painted vivid pictures of people dancing and trout swimming. Indeed it was clear that they knew not only the instrumental Trout Quintet, but the story of Schubert’s original Die Forelle too. The heightened emotion as tensions rise and the fish swims unknowingly towards peril were clear not just in the dynamics, but in the expressions of the seemingly distraught musicians. Their portrayal of the stories behind the music was rich and emotive – it was indeed deserving of that quiet muttering of “wow”.

By Sophie N

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