Celebration of a Poet and Musician
Paul Lewis’s extraordinary musicianship shone through every note of the much loved Pathétique that opened his celebratory recital. The weight and meaning he brought to such a well worn piece was a revelation of simplicity and sensitivity. There was also a control of sound and transcendental command of the keyboard much to do with his masterly use of the pedals. The arresting opening was like a call to arms with the beseeching reply that immediately created a rhythmic tension that was the undercurrent of all he did. An ‘Adagio Cantabile’ that was allowed to flow so simply with a sense of balance that allowed the melodic line to sing so naturally. The rondo was played with a delicious twinkle in his eye and with such subtle shading.
