Pip Clarke and Havilland Willshire at Christ Church (2026)

Violinist Pip Clarke and pianist Havilland Willshire made their yearly Spring appearance in Christ Church earlier today to a crowd of about 120 musical enthusiasts, who heard pieces by Handel, Paul Hindemith, and Brahms. A masterful piano adaptation of the «Violin Sonata in D major, Op. 1 n.º 13 (HWV 371)» opened the day; to me, the first part, the affettuoso, was the stand-out of this first half of the presentation. This elegant part gives a baroque twist to the baroque D F# A D sequence that surprises whoever is following along, as the progression is resolved in a rather pleasing, innovative way.

The closing piece, by Brahms, the «Violin Sonata n.º 3 in D minor, (Op. 108)», was another simple reason why one should never miss these mid-week delights: The first part, again, was, to me, of particular note, even if just a jewel amongst jewels. This seemingly simple, classic-romantic masterclass in subdued-yet-intense piano-violin dialogue: subdued because it's not loud, but impactful in the deliberate haste the two instruments converse. How great are Ms Clarke and Mr Willshire to convey the emotional depths of their repertoire with such ease, such understanding of each others' interventions, that they make it seem seamless— easy, even.

That's what mastery looks like, and today, as in their previous visits, Ms Clarke and Mr Willshire leave us, the audience, filled with admiration, and looking forward to their next visit.