Peter Bream plays a number of compositions ably, though with very little personality – which could leave you to assume he wants the music to speak for itself. However, when it comes to classical music, a listening experience is often defined by the atmosphere in which the music is delivered. The decision to have this performance in an exhibition room of a museum had an unfortunately stifling effect on the show. The Brahms ‘Intermezzi’ (Op. 117) worked because it is slow and reflective, but the Mozart and Schoenberg compositions, both with frequent grand flourishes, were noticeably stunted by the cramped venue. The hour long minimalist finale (Feldman’s ‘palais de mari’) will either make you serenely calm, or send you to sleep.

St Cecilia’s Hall, 16, 26, 27 Aug, 4.00pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Lewis Wade]

Sections: by Lewis Wade - ED2012 Music Reviews - tw rating 2/5 | Tags: Peter Bream, St Celia's Hall

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