A most pleasant way to spend Sunday afternoon was in the company of Corinne Frost, co-principal cellist with the English Symphony Orchestra, and Roger Nichols, pianist and well-known writer and broadcaster.

Corinne, producing a warm velvety tone from her cello, combined with an excellent resonance, was enjoyed to full effect in her soulful interpretation of Saint-Saens's The Swan (from Carnival of the Animals). She played in long legato phrases, with finely tuned top notes, against Roger's gentle rippling piano.

In Bach's Adagio in C the pianist's harmonic part was a steady support to Corinne's restrained and expressive delicately decorated melody.

Both musicians gave Sonata No.2 in F,Op.99 by Brahms a passionate performance. The poignant theme of the Adagio affetuoso delivered pianissimo sometimes, and the melodic string plucking, was defined clearly.

In the Allegro passionato Roger's keyboard agility, discriminate string staccato from Corinne, and their crafting together of Brahms's music, continuing with technical accomplishment in the Allegro molto with wistful repetitions of the prevalent phrases, all helped to make this an admirable performance.

After a ponderous beginning in Rachmaninov's Sonata in G minor,Op.19 Corinne and Roger proceeded to a melodious reading.

The Allegro scherzando was a movement of contrasts, with some super high notes from the cellist, and rapturous piano playing.

Allegro molto ended in style with the cello singing against the ecstatic piano.

Jill Hopkins