Last week Thursday, 16 January, the Oakham Piano Trio – comprising violinist Annebeth Webb, cellist Richard Jenkinson, and pianist Anne Bolt – presented a thoughtfully constructed programme under the title Innocence and Experience. The concert explored the contrasting stages of life at which Schubert, Brahms, and Fauré composed the featured works, offering insights into their evolving musical voices.
The evening began with Schubert’s Sonatensatz in B-flat major, D.28. Written when the composer was only 15, this single-movement work carries a youthful cheerfulness and optimism. The trio’s performance brought out its lyrical qualities, with clear melodic phrasing and well-judged balance between the instruments.
Brahms’ Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 101, composed in the maturity of his career, offered a stark contrast. The Allegro energico opened with assertive, tightly woven textures, and the players maintained a sense of momentum throughout. The Presto non assai provided a lighter, more playful interlude, while the Andante grazioso emphasized graceful interaction between the parts. The final Allegro molto brought the work to an energetic close, with the trio handling its rhythmic complexities with clarity and cohesion.
Fauré’s Trio in D minor, Op. 120, completed in the later years of his life, brought the programme to a reflective conclusion. The Allegro, ma non troppo was shaped with restraint, capturing its subtle contrasts. The Andantino unfolded with gentle lyricism, while the concluding Allegro vivo displayed a restrained vigour, reflecting the composer’s mature style.
Throughout the performance, the Oakham Piano Trio demonstrated a deep understanding of the repertoire and a measured approach to ensemble playing. The concert’s thematic framing of Innocence and Experience provided an engaging lens through which to appreciate the composers’ works and their individual journeys.
