In a much-anticipated return to major touring, violinist Nicola Benedetti demonstrated exactly why she holds the title of the nation's favourite violinist during a captivating performance at London's Royal Albert Hall.
An Unconventional Ensemble Creates Magic
Rather than performing with a traditional orchestra, Benedetti assembled a remarkably inventive ensemble featuring cellist Maxim Calver, guitarist Plínio Fernandes, and accordionist Samuele Telari. The quartet produced intriguing sonorities that filled the legendary hall, creating what felt like a celebration - a super-polished jam session interspersed with friendly, unscripted conversation from the stage.
Musically, the evening offered what might be described as musical canapés - numerous small, delicious pieces rather than a single substantial work. Yet these bite-sized offerings provided substantial enjoyment, showcasing the musicians' incredible versatility and connection.
Three Distinct Musical Worlds
The programme cleverly divided into three distinct categories. The first featured romantic salon pieces, including beautiful arrangements of the Sicilienne (attributed to Maria Theresia von Paradis but actually composed by Samuel Dushkin) and Debussy's Beau Soir. Benedetti's generous tone and velvety phrasing proved perfect for these works, while the supporting trio created a beautifully relaxed atmosphere that perfectly explained the title of their accompanying recording, Violin Café.
The second segment explored Scottish folk traditions, with the ensemble joined by Fin Moore on smallpipes. Initially providing drone accompaniment, Moore eventually took up the melody while Benedetti improvised above. This folk influence returned during the encore with Peter Maxwell Davies's Farewell to Stromness.
Virtuoso Display Silences Doubters
For anyone who might have wondered if her responsibilities as director of the Edinburgh International Festival had affected her technical prowess, Benedetti included several show-stopping virtuoso pieces. These included a Wieniawski polonaise and Paganini caprices, with Caprice No. 1 performed solo as originally written.
While Caprice No. 24 received a sparky arrangement, some might argue it lost part of its wow factor by distributing the notes across multiple instruments rather than having them all emerge from a single violin. For Sarasate's Navarra, a virtuoso but formulaic violin duet, Benedetti brought on Emma Baird as her partner. The evening's final showstopper came with the same composer's Carmen Fantasy, delivered by a violinist who remains unquestionably at the peak of her abilities.
The concert forms part of Benedetti's first major tour in a decade, with the next performance scheduled at The Lighthouse in Poole before continuing across the UK until 4 December.
