Karlsruhe Conzert Duo

Reinhard Armleder (tjello) en Dagmar Hartmann (klavier), die wêreldbekende Europese duo uit Oostenryk, het onlangs 'n konsert van besondere kwaliteit op Stilbaai aangebied.

The Karlsruhe Conzert Duo was founded in 1997 and has won several prestigious international competitions. The Duo is regularly praised for fascinating its public by the depth of their interpretation, brilliant technique and imaginative choice of programme. They regularly tour abroad and have visited numerous countries.

The first item on the programme was a composition of Beethoven based on an aria from the Magic Flute (Mozart); "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen". It consisted of 7 intricate variations on the theme with fast movements juxtaposed against calm and serene interludes - fascinating to listen to.

Uit die romantiese tydperk was daar: Mendelsohn se "Song without words" - die enigste vir tjello en klavier en Chopin se Polonaise Briliante in C Maj. opus 3- 'n pragtige sterk ritmiese dans met 'n volryk melodie op tjello ondersteun met  vinnige lopies op die klavier, briljant uitgevoer deur die twee begaafde kunstenaars.

This was followed by "Dream of Love" by Liszt" a dreamy melodic legato piece on the cello with the accompaniment in arpeggio style on the piano. It is better known as a solo for voice,  "Plaisir d'amour". Schumann's three Fantasia pieces started off with a soulful interpretation in the first movement, changing completely to a lively, fiery last movement which proved very popular with the audience.

Die tweede deel van die program het bestaan uit verskeie danse van meer moderne komponiste - Rachmaninoff "Oosterse dans",  Prokofiev - "Waltz op 65 no 6", Ravel se "Habanera" en Manuel de Falle se "First Spanish Dance" Die briljante passasies vir die tjello en sprankelende klavierspel  het die gehoor spontaan uit hulle sitplekke gelig vir 'n staande toejuiging.

Die pragtige vol, ryk klank van die  tjello teenoor die vlytige vingers van die pianiste was 'n absolute belewenis. Die keuse van musiek was toeganklik, interessant en het iets vir almal gebied. Dit was deurgaans duidelik dat die twee kunstenaars mekaar besonder goed verstaan en mekaar empaties aanvul.

To quote praise by a specialist publication  " ... it is rare to find a duo with such a fortitude and intense combination of a kindred musicality, affinity and interaction with their instruments"  It was a glorious start to the Music Society's programme for this year.