David Brain (piano)

At turns wistful and ferocious, the ebullient modernity of Milhaud's little known Sonatine is a somewhat eccentric start to the programme. More familiar is the aristocratic A flat Impromptu of Chopin, a beautiful slavic melancholy issuing from its central episode. One of the most celebrated compositions in the repertoire follows in the G minor Ballade; an influential work of high drama and structural ingenuity, appearing to hint at some unrevealed tragic narrative. Very specific in their depiction of extra-musical phenomena, the six pieces making up the second book of Nick Ray's Recollections create vivid, almost Impressionistic scenarios.

After an interval with free refreshments, the second of Schubert's giant last three Piano Sonatas concludes the recital. D.959 in A is predominantly sunny and urbane, perhaps even seraphic, compared with its neighbours. However, like the great String Quintet of the same period there are occasional eruptions of deep anguish.