Simon Watterton

The London-based pianist Simon Watterton has delighted audiences in Colyton a number of times and the concert in Colyton Parish Church on Sunday, March 3 lived up to all expectations.

Anna Cashell

He is well known as a wonderful exponent of the works of the Classical masters, and he opened the programme with Schubert’s A major sonata (D 664), playing with great lyricism, intelligence and, particularly in the last movement, brilliance.

This was followed by a vibrant account of Bartok’s Six Romanian Folk Dances.

Janacek’s Piano Sonata of 1905 is a powerful piece which should be heard more frequently.

It was prompted by the killings of student protesters, but its reaction is emotional rather than violent. This performance was one of power and introspective beauty.

Simon finished the first half with two intermezzi by Brahms and Columbine, an inexplicably infrequently-heard piece by Frank Bridge.

In the second half Simon was joined by his fiancée, Irish violinist Anna Cashell, for Beethoven’s Spring Sonata.

This is a great work by any standards and the performance was full or lyricism, wit and character.

It is to be hoped that it is not too long before Anna and Simon give another concert in Colyton.

They inform us that they are preparing to record a CD in the near future.

Nicholas Brown