Concert Reviews

... Last night's concert was given by the duo :nota bene:, whose visit to Zacatecas was eagerly awaited.
What we heard was calculated to satisfy even the most demanding tastes. The duo presented music that came from the heart, performed with complete honesty, without affectation or constraint.
Eva Steinschaden's bowing technique is remarkable, with enviable legato and clarity in other bowings, and Alexander Vavtar is her equal throughout the performance.
First, they gave a faultless interpretation of Anton Webern's "Four pieces" op 7.
They continued with the Sonata in C major KV 296 by Mozart, the remarkable feature of this performance being the depth of feeling shown by both musicians. A interpretation of human warmth, as we heard here, will always be preferable to cold perfection.
After the interval, there followed the Sonata in A minor D 385 by Franz Schubert, whose apparently simple musical language suddenly proves fiendishly difficult in performance. It is no exaggeration to assert that it is a long time since we have had the opportunity of hearing this quality of Schubert playing.
Leaving their "Austrian soul" behind, the musicians then practically transformed themselves into wandering gypsies, to perform Cesar Bresgen's "Romanian Suite" ­ full of local colour and spiced with bold harmonies.
In short, a serious programme, showing respect for the audience without lapsing into indulgence.
(El Sol de Zacatecas/Mexico, March 2002)

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