THE heart of this hugely enjoyable and interesting recital by Priya Mitchell (violin) and Ian Brown (piano) was, both literally and artistically, Beethov-en's Kreutzer Sonata, Op 47, written almost exactly 200 years ago and arguably the greatest of all piano and violin duo works.

Despite a somewhat tentative start, and an accident with a troublesome shoulder rest in the first movement, the two artists gave Beethoven's masterpiece a dashing and virtuosic performance, which reflected the brilliance of its concertante style.

The violinist's superb bowing technique and purity of intonation were displayed to special advantage in the high tessitura of the variations - with bird-like trills and a supremely delicate staccato touch. Her dynamic energy was matched by Ian Brown's sensitive feeling for an ideal tonal balance and texture throughout the entire programme.

These virtues were especially relished and well-exploited in Janacek's radiant Sonata which opened the recital, and given a magically dramatic performance - full of the most evocative and subtle changes of mood, colour and atmosphere.

Such qualities, which both artists captured with compelling insight, were also apparent in Webern's Four Pieces, Op 7; and in Elgar's Sonata, Op 82, which were presented in the second half of the concert.

The shadowy aphorisms of the Webern were not well suited to the acoustic conditions (and air-conditioning noise!) of the Forum Theatre; but Elgar's beautiful late utterance was given a performance which combined rhapsodic nobility, with lingering nostalgia in the touching second movement Romance.

Altogether the concert covered an expressive range, which made a specially important and stylish contribution to the Concert Club's 100th season.

LOUIS CARUS