"considerable panache and expressive sweep" — Paul Conway
The solo pianist in Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (1934) was Clare Hammond, who grew up in Nottingham. Noted for her refinement and virtuosity, she brought considerable panache and expressive sweep to the piece. Every section was sharply characterised in a fluently unfolding narrative that struck an ideal balance between playfulness and elegance. Bravura passages were delivered effortlessly, but brilliance for its own sake was never part of this consummate performer’s considered and imaginative approach to the music. Anna-Maria Helsing and the BBC Concert Orchestra provided keenly responsive support, ensuring this beloved mainstay of the repertoire sounded fresh and compelling.
There was a delightful, brief encore from the soloist in the form of Cécile Chaminade’s Etude Op.35 No.5, Impromptu. Clare Hammond was alert to every shift in mood and shade of colour in this delectably mercurial miniature.