ON Friday night, after Duncan Honeybourne's performance of his Piano Sonata number one, composer John Joubert commented: "That was exactly right" - praise indeed.

And that phrase sums up the entire programme, which was well-balanced, mixed between popular and the less known works, and played superbly.

As on his previous visit, Mr Honeybourne waived the chance of a "warm-up", just sat down and got on with a demonstration of how to play the piano. We first were treated to Grieg's delightful Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, a great start to any programme.

Then came the Joubert work, which sounded very difficult to play, and Mr Honeybourne was not at all phased by the presence of the Classical Music Society's patron, from the reflective opening, through the dramatic middle passage, and gentle ending.

The first half ended with Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel by Brahms, where again the pianist brilliantly illustrated the variations in style, tone and tempo.

The second half began with Seven Preludes by William Baines.

The final item on the programme was the sublime Piano Sonata no 3 in B Minor by Chopin, where Mr Honeybourne again delighted, especially in a sensitive interpretation of the third movement, largo.

VJS