Pinchas Zucherman and Olga Sitkovetsky

Review written by Gabrielle Scherrer

It was one of those evenings one will never forget. Two wonderful performers with a chemistry
that left one breathless. Even the way they came onto the stage! Sitkovetsky had an
electricity about her and Zukerman absorbed it. An ideal partnership.
This was not a concert of violin playing with piano accompaniment, it was often the other way
round!
In fact Beethoven’s Spring Sonata was published as ‘Sonate fuer Clavier und Violine’. Olga
Sitkovetsky certainly enjoyed her important role! Pinchas Zukerman was an admirable
partner, singing his long spun melodic lines and retreating to accompanying comments when
appropriate. I was intrigued to note how many times Zukerman started a phrase with an up-
bow and wondered why. But with his bow control he can produce any effect with any bowing!
The start of every piece was an instantaneous agreement and throughout the concert there
was a melting of personalities and a seesaw effect of dominance and retraction.
The shorter pieces, Serafic Lullaby by Ben Haim and Elgar’s Salut d’Amour, were showcases
for the beautiful singing sound of Zukerman’s Guarneri violin and his lyrical playing, with
sensitive accompaniment by Sitkovetsky.
Two movements of the interesting Sonata FAE interspersed the program. This piece was a
collaboration between Brahms, Schumann and the latter’s pupil, Albert Dietrich. It was a
present for their friend, Joseph Joachim who performed it with Clara Schumann. But it wasn’t
published in their lifetime. Brahm’s motto was ‘Frei Aber Einsam’ (free but alone) and this
gave the title.
Robert Schumann’s two movements were late incorporated into his 3 rd Violin Sonata.
Again there was the absolute confident interplay between the performers with nuances of
style and colour bewitching the audience.
The final piece was outstanding. Franck’s Sonata in A major is a piano concerto and the
challenge was triumphantly taken up by Sitkovetsky. The violin soared with ease over the
thundering piano passages and they both competently and musically mastered all the
difficulties.
An encore was graciously added – but nothing could distract from the power of the Franck
Sonata.
An experience that inspired and gratified.

Elder Hall 23 April