Another Wednesday, another day where Christ Church is nearly at capacity: this past three weeks the three hundred seats that populate this venue have been occupied by either someone’s assets –or their coat– and for good reason, too: the quality of these concerts remains impeccable.
Elena Edwards’ cello and Mathew Lam’s piano provided us with a beautiful hour of music today. I thought their first song, Amy Beach’s «Romance» (op. 23) was going to be very difficult to improve upon, but their rendition of Beethoven’s «Cello sonata n.º 3» (op.69) was a true homage to the subtle dialogue this piece represents. Mr. Lam, whose piano skills had gone untested until the «Sonata», showcased his elegant and generous approach to the piano through Beethoven. Doesn’t the piano seem better tuned when Mr. Lam plays it?
And, did Ms. Edwards say that she had just finished learning the «Sonata»? I must have misheard, because she played those arpeggios of the second part, the «scherzo», with masterful clarity.
I’m just very excited at what is yet to come in Christ Church. All concerts have been of such high level that we await next Wednesday's presentation of Mses. Charlotte Rowan & Charlotte Stevenson with the highest of expectations.
Originally published the 2nd of October, 2024