Trio lived up to expectation

Opening with a spirited performance of the third of Beethoven’s opus 1 piano trios, the fine qualities of musical fire and integrity, for which this ensemble is famed, were immediately apparent.

In Beethoven’s time this was considered an innovative work, with all three instruments having equal status.

This was a beautifully balanced performance, with a wonderful rapport between the players.

Mark Simpson’s excellent piano trio After Avedon is a challenging new composition recently commissioned by the Gould Trio.

Inspired by four portraits at an exhibition by American photographer Richard Avedon, this highly dramatic work runs through a gamut of emotions – the first movement sad and wistful, the second agitated, the third dark and disturbing, and the finale described by Benjamin Frith, the Gould’s pianist, as a jazz-inspired romp.

Their committed performance was most impressive.

Finally came Ravel’s superb piano trio.

With elements of Spanish, Basque and Far Eastern music, this work requires performers of the highest calibre.

From the delicate, wistful opening to the exuberant finale, the Goulds revelled in this demanding music.

At times it was difficult to believe that only three musicians were playing as they filled the Playhouse with joyful sound.

This provided a fitting end to a concert that will live long in the memory.