PAUL Lewis's masterly delivery of Beethoven's music for the start of MCC's new season augured well.

His supreme technical prowess and delicate artistry combined to show the music as a formidable spiritual and poetic pilgrimage, as he set out on his own quest to perform and record all the sonatas of Beethoven.

The Sonata in G major, Op.31, No.1 showed some fine contrasts of texture and staccato and Lewis's treatment of a capricious coda, and a glance to the audience, brought a smile!

Thoughtful beauty of quiet intimacy for the Adagio grazioso and then in the Rondo: Allegretto pianissimo double octaves in the right-hand and vigorous left-hand episodes were impressive.

The initial powerful unison octaves of Sonata in D minor, Op.31, No.2 set the scene for Lewis's dramatic exposition, the first movement alternately surging forward energetically or drawing a depth of intense feeling from the magnificent Steinway.

The closing Allegretto manifested profound strength within a beautifully shaded palette of sound. The concluding diminuendo was exquisite.

Sonata in E flat, Op.31, No.3 was further confirmation of the extent of Lewis's skilful keyboard dexterity and interpretive insight. Coquettish fragments interspersed within the Allegro, then a second movement of excited activity, left-hand tune and staccato brilliant and, finally, the wonderful clarity of Presto con fuoco.

The next concert is on Thursday, October 27, when Michael Collins (clarinet) and Noriko Ogawa (piano) will perform.

JILL HOPKINS