To complete Perth Chamber Music’s fine series of master concerts, including superb concerts from Liam Bonthrone, Perth’s star international tenor, and the popular Resol Quartet, who will be returning for a Perth Festival Concert in May, their guests were Robin Michael cello and Anna Michels piano in Sonatas by Fauré and Brahms.

Playing in St John’s Kirk, Perth, whose acoustic was praised by both artists, they began with Fauré’s late Cello Sonata No.2. Robin Michael quoted Nadia Boulanger saying Fauré ‘is a magic carpet that carries you away.‘ From the first notes the performance was ecstatic: at one with the inviting sonorities. The Andante had a noble tread from the cello and an impassioned vocal sensitivity which communicated directly. The final Allegro vivo rushed playfilly with a melting second theme, intensity mounting to the end.

A feature of this concert was both of Brahms’ Cello Sonatas: The first of the serious young Brahms, the second confident in expansive glory. The first emphasized the deep sonority of the cello. With Bach influences it climbed to a powerful second theme. A climax over piano arpeggios led to a gentle coda. The second movement was a graceful Quasi minuetto: a lilt on tiptoes. Coming forward in time, the Trio was a whirling waltz enticing you along. The final movement was a strong fugue, forging rigorously ahead, though with a more musing section before accelerating to its blazing end.

Between the two Brahms Sonatas came the uncanny Liszt: La Lugubre Gondola, written in premonition of Wagner’s death. As Robin Michael explained ‘lugubre’ here meant ghoulish. This spare piece, with Wagner almost-quotations was played with intensity. The piano rippled, waters perhaps, and had unnerving deathly chords. A desperately sad cello solo faded: literally dying away.

Brilliance and light were restored in the Brahms Cello Sonata No.2, bursting out heroically and continuing with a superb second theme. Expressive affection and tenderness came with the second movement and a dramatic, rangy, driving Scherzo followed. A warm geniality ended the programme in a buoyant mood.

Following appreciative applause Robin Michael and Anna Michels returned for an expressive, calming encore; a cello arrangement of Liszt’s Consolation No.3.

Ian Stuart Hunter