Review — Buxton Fringe
THREE’S A CROWD — The Ryebank Trio
This group consists of three musicians, Jonathan Ellis, piano, Duncan Reid, violin, and Douglas Badger, ’cello, who met while studying at the Royal Northern College and formed their trio in 2002. They have now been playing together for sufficiently long that their ensemble is just about perfect. They know each others’ strengths and their musical balance is superbly judged.
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Their programme opened with the Schubert piano trio, Opus 99. Although this is quite a familiar work we were quickly absorbed in the delights of the composition, particularly the Andante with one of Schubert's loveliest melodies. Their control of dynamic variation especially in the Rondo was exceptional. It was without doubt a great performance.
Following the well known Spanish Dance of De Falla arranged by Kreisler with Duncan as soloist, Douglas Badger gave us a beautifully controlled ’cello solo, Louange à l'éternité de Jesus from a larger work by Messiaen with Jonathan’s careful accompaniment.
The concert concluded with Brahms piano trio No 1 opus 8 using the well known revised version that is normally performed. This is technically a very demanding piece but these young musicians were completely in control and played with supreme assurance and confidence. The turbulent climax of the highly chromatic last movement will remain as one of the more memorable moments of this year’s Fringe.
Peter Low (July 2011)