Concert Review by Tricia Lewis

The audience at SeatonMusic's final concert of the season, held at The Gateway Theatre on May 19, was treated to a virtuoso performance by Polish pianist Lucas Krupinski.

From the first rippling arpeggios of the Fantasy Op 17 by Robert Schumann, Lucas delighted with lyrical playing, energetic chords and rapid scale passages. With lovely tone colours he evoked the emotions which Schumann himself had no doubt felt.

The programme then took us to the music of French composer, Maurice Ravel and his Sonatine, a simple title for a piece of music which encompassed a wide range of styles, including a real tour de force in which Lucas demonstrated his mastery of the piano and left the audience breathless.

He went on to bring us four of Chopin's Mazurkas Op 33, which included the popular No 2 in D major that is always a joy and especially so on this occasion when Lucas interpreted music of his homeland in such an engaging way.

Finishing with another piece by Chopin, the scherzo in B flat from op 31, Lucas treated us to an exciting performance of this well-loved piece, concluding as it does with a fast-moving section that seems to use every one of the piano keys before arriving at the final ringing note, which was followed by highly appreciative applause.

A member of the audience was heard to comment: "It never sounds like that when I play it."

Certainly, we were very privileged to hear Lucas and look forward to welcoming him again. Indeed, he will be at Sidmouth Parish Church on June 29 with Devonian violinist Joel Munday and Polish cellist Kacper Novak.

SeatonMusic will open its next season on October 17 with another superb evening of piano music, this time from Julian Trevelyan.

Membership of SeatonMusic costs only £90 which gives admission to all six concerts in the season. All information about the season and how to join is available at www.seatonmusic.org