Nicholas Yonge Society

International Chamber Music in Lewes

van Baerle Piano Trio

28th January 2022
Haydn Trio in Eb major, Hob XV: 30
Theo Verbey Trio
Schubert Trio in Eb major, D. 929

Listening to this concert last night was a real pleasure. The three musicians have played together since student days forming such a closely-knit group that their ensemble is faultless, thinking and moving together with enviable precision yet never losing their musical spontaneity.
Particular mention must be made of Hannes Minnaar whose wonderful control of the piano, producing so many different colours, never once overpowered his colleagues as can happen all too easily in some ensembles.
They began with Haydn’s warm and lively Eb Trio - probably the last he wrote - making the most of his unexpected cadences and key changes that are so different from the simplicity of his earlier trios.
Then followed the Verbey trio, all three instruments starting up in the heights with rippling ppp semiquavers contrasting dramatically with the fierce chords in the second section played so rhythmically yet with no apparent barlines. It is an accessible piece with multiple sound effects giving the listener a chance to interpret it in a personal way.
The concert ended with Schubert’s delightful and beautifully played E-flat trio, each player matching the tone and colours of the others, sending the attentive and appreciative audience home happy and content.

Review​er: Sylvia Coward

Photograp​her: David James