Brilliant Osada

The programme comprised three substantial works by Beethoven, Liszt and Prokofiev, all interpreted with consummate musicianship displaying the soloist's total commitment to each. Osada's reading of Beethoven's Piano Sonata no 27 op 90 pointed so convincingly its dramatic contrasts between delicate lyricism and fiery declamation; the song-like tenderness achieved in the Schubertian second movement showed genuine affection for this graciously restrained music.

Liszt's Dante Sonata was undoubtedly the pice de rsistance of the whole recital. While this virtuosic work, with its kaleidoscope of pianistic imagery, looks back to the composer's more youthful indulgences, there is a sense of re-evaluation, evident in the seriousness of the 'Inferno' section, illustrated by every imaginable technical device - all surmounted with total assurance. Osada's playing was marked by a precision and vitality which transformed the work's insistent rhythmic motifs into a compulsive listening experience.

Yet its lyricism was treated with restraint, the myriad melodic strands retaining their transparency throughout; the interpretation of this tremendous work was marked by superb control of the dynamic forces unleashed as well as enormous vitality.

In total contrast, Prokofiev's 4th Piano Sonata displayed a more contemporary idiom within a well structured framework. This vigorously muscular music retained just the right degree of momentum, notably in the first movement; its themes, sometimes jagged, sometimes eloquent, received an equal measure of precision, yet with flexibility.

This was even more evident in the many ornamental motifs of the Andante movement; a mood of flamboyant optimism was then released in the precise, march-like themes of the third movement, concluding a memorable experience of outstanding music given the highest standard of interpretation.

Anthony Caldicott