King’s Lynn Festival Coffee Concert by Benjamin Baker and Daniel Lebhardt of Schubert, Brahms and Respighi was ‘performed with finesse’

Reviewer Andy Tyler shares his thoughts on a recent King’s Lynn Festival Coffee Concert…

I report on another successful King’s Lynn Festival Coffee Concert, the last of the current series. Benjamin Baker, violin and Daniel Lebhardt, piano, gave a very well-attended recital at Lynn Town Hall, which was enthusiastically received.

Both musicians are enjoying successful careers and are giving concerts and broadcasting widely.

Their programme consisted of works by Schubert, Brahms and a rarely-performed sonata in B Minor by Respighi, composed in 1917.

I was especially interested in hearing the Respighi sonata, a work I didn’t know. The piece is at times highly romantic but also complex with its use of harmony and rhythm, pushing the boundaries of musical language prevalent at the time. The work was enjoyed by myself and many in the audience.

The other works in the recital were Schubert’s Rondo in B Minor, D.895 and Brahms’ 2nd Violin Sonata, in A Major, Op. 100. Both works contain much lyrical, lively and dramatic material, performed with finesse and authority by the duo.

Another excellent coffee concert – we look forward to more in the future.

The next festival event is being held at All Saints Church, 7.30pm, Saturday, April 26, it should be an uplifting concert of folk songs and choral harmony, provided by Ben and Dom!