FIORINI TRIO DELIGHT FULL HOUSE IN CHISWICK

An all contemporary programme might seem a considerable challenge to some, but on 12 May the Fiorini, a London-based Australian piano trio, played to an enthusiastic and receptive 'full house' at the Chiswick Catholic Centre.

Their ensemble conveyed great sensitivity, commitment and aplomb, and they introduced each work with obvious relish.

The concert was entirely devoted to Australian music and displayed a wide range of individuality, different compositional styles and rich textures. Peter Sculthorpe's Landscape II, influenced by Indonesian, Japanese and Aboriginal ideas, made an atmospheric beginning. A fusion of insect sounds, seagull shrieks and the Gamelan suggested a landscape suspended in time. The following piece, Movie Demons by Rohan Stevenson, took the listener to an altogether different place. Elements of rock, jazz and tango gave a driving, heady mix and we were exhorted, by the violinist, Belinda McFarlane, to 'hold on!'

Tonic Continent by Andrew Schultz, brought influences of the Australian landscape once more to the fore. Written in 2000, his piece, a single movement, opened with a triadic lyrical line, which expanded into a broad anthem-like texture. The concluding work of this absorbing programme was Sea Changes, written by the local Australian composer, John Carmichael.

In his introduction the composer explained his lifelong affinity with the sea, both in Australia and in this country on the Cornish coast. The ever-changing nature of the seascape was cleverly represented by the fluid impressionistic writing. In three movements Sea Changes was, by turns, lyrical, passionate, turbulent and thoughtful and the composer exploited a delightful Ravel-like texture between strings and piano.

Cecilia McDowall

An Afternoon of Delightful Music from a Guitar and Voice Duo

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