Double Bass Sonata - Hindemith
Vocalise - Rachmaninov
Duetto for Cello and Double Bass - Rossini
The double bass is one of those instruments whose repertoire is so obscure that persuasive musicianship is needed to pull off a solo recital. Ronan Dunne did exactly that at the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre last Wednesday lunchtime, thanks to a musicality which eclipsed occasional technical slips.
Hindemith's Sonata For Double Bass And Piano was the least successful of the three works on the programme. It tries to be deft, but is too earnest and grey to make it. There was little wrong with Dunne's playing, but the piano part needs more bright-toned definition than Dearbhla Brosnan provided.
Their partnership was successful in Rachmaninov's Vocalise. It has been claimed that this piece, usually performed by wordless voice and soprano, was originally written for double bass and piano. It is not incongruous in that form, for Dunne's cantabile tone and natural, flexible line helped to produce a performance which rose well above the attractions of curiosity.
The concert's highlight was Rossini's Duetto For Cello And Double Bass. Tara-Lee Byrne and Ronan Dunne were alert to every opportunity and judged most things impeccably. All the more witty for presenting its humour and virtuosic discourse with a straight face, this piece was a treat.
