Viola virtuoso gives the violin a run for its money in this masterful recital.

Melbourne Recital Centre

June 17, 2014

Viola-lovers were treated to a bold performance last night, when Maxim Rysanov took the stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The Ukranian-British artist’s playing was solid, technically assured, and had a compelling intensity in the more dramatic moments of the program. The viola seldom features in solo recitals, often losing out to the instrument’s smaller, brighter, more agile cousin. Last night was an opportunity for the viola’s velvety alto to shine through. And what better way than to beat the violin at it’s own game?

The violist chose to start the program with two works from the violin repertoire, and if there was anyone doubting it could handle the job, Rysanov straight away had them convinced the viola could be just as nimble and expressive. Schubert’s Sonata (Sonatina) in G minor for violin and piano, D. 408 was given a consummate reading, with Rysanov finding a perfect match in Ashley Wass’s sensitive pianism. The long, beautiful lines of the second movement acted as the perfect vehicle for Rysanov’s warm lyricism, and he had no trouble covering the rapid, quicksilver opening of...