Concert Reviews

... The concert was an excellent opening to this year's "Little Maarnach Festival".
From the very first notes of Mozart's Sonata in C major K296, the performers' concept was clear: a balanced, mutually fine-tuned style in the best chamber music tradition. In Mozart, this meant the keyboard taking the lead, while the violin kept up a more or less running commentary on the music. Alexander Vavtar's sensitive flexibility matched the violinist's cultivated, ardent tone.
A relaxed empathy also marked the atmosphere of Cesar Bresgen's "Fantasie" for violin and piano. The duo effortlessly brought out the folk-traditional freshness of this tuneful piece.
Beethoven's Sonata in A minor op 23 demanded a much more expressive and energetic style. The pianist once more brought out the more striking points, while the violinist followed her partner's rhythmic and dynamic nuances with supple bowing technique and intense though never obtrusive sonority. The audience enjoyed a discreetly measured and sensitive interpretation.
In Arvo Pärt's "Fratres", the duo :nota bene: revealed their technical and musical competence in modern sound aesthetics. Throughout the work, Eva Steinschaden and Alexander Vavtar sustained a smooth curve of musical tension.
In Brahms' Sonata in A major op 100, the violinist demonstrated an imposing sense of the emotional content and the melodic contours. Her lyrical phrasing breathed charm into the interpretation.
Alexander Vavtar's brief and well-chosen introductory words on the two contemporary works are worthy of mention.
This was unquestionably a worthwhile opening concert.
(Das Luxemburger Wort/Luxembourg, May 2003)

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