Elizabeth Bouman reviews an inaugural cello recital at Marama Hall on Saturday, September 11.
Marama Hall was packed with lovers of fine music on Saturday evening for the inaugural recital by cellist Heleen Du Plessis.
This "new girl on the block" with an impressive list of credits has come to teach and perform at University of Otago, adding to the group of international performers who work and live in Dunedin.
The occasion was an absolute triumph for both Du Plessis and pianist Prof Terence Dennis (University of Otago) and surely this inaugural event is a promise of many more outstanding recitals.
Du Plessis possesses a relaxed, unpretentious delivery with an engaging stage presence, compelling her audience to become immersed in her music-making, and the pathways of constant instrumental dialogue were concise and intuitive.
Sonata for Cello and Piano by Debussy traversed many moods, alternating subdued, muffled tone with passages of great vibrancy and outspoken themes.
An array of pizzicati was a highlight from both instrumentalists, as was the urgency and forward drive of the final (anime).
The Shostakovich Sonata for Cello and Piano in D Minor Op.40 1934 was a busy work, though with cameos of exquisite lyricism.
At times strong Russian flavour emerged beneath compelling themes, and the entire work was stylistically delivered with every bar proclaiming Shostakovich.
In Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Op 19 the piano displayed a vast palette of contrast and the cello delivered with glorious sonority and impeccable intonation, holding the audience enthralled.
Allegro scherzando was exceptional with a delightfully playful air, rather than the more cheeky spritely style which usually characterises scherzo interpretation.
Prolonged applause was rewarded with a short Habanera by Ravel.
