Violinist Sergej Krylov starts his first Australian tour with a monumental reputation, including high praise from Rostropovich and a swag of rave reviews. Pianist Konstantin Shamray also has a stellar record, starting with his award-winning Australian debut at the Sydney International Piano Competition.

The concert opens with Krylov alone on a balcony. He raises his bow theatrically and then strokes the strings to produce a searingly beautiful long note: the opening bar of  the Adagio from Bach’s first violin sonata. This is not on the program, but it is an inspired choice, revealing Krylov’s musicality and the rich tones of the Stadivarius “Camposelice” violin.

Sergej Krylov and Konstantin Shamray, Toorak Synagogue, Melbourne. Photo © Jonathan Dupaquier-Green 

The first advertised work on the program is Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, dedicated to the Spanish virtuoso, Pablo de Sarasate. Krylov enlists his formidable technique to convey the flair and vivacity of this Spanish-flavoured vignette. He plays by memory and stands just behind Shamray, his gaze directed across the grand piano. They are well matched, playing with the same extreme focus and eschewing extraneous gestures.

The strength of their musical bond is evident in their interpretation of Ravel’s second sonata. Ravel thought the violin and piano were essentially incompatible instruments and wanted to accentuate their differences. But it is the interplay between the two that makes this performance special.

Sergej Krylov and Konstantin Shamray, Toorak Synagogue, Melbourne. Photo © Jonathan Dupaquier-Green 

They play the second movement, Blues, with enormous energy and finesse, making the most of the many sudden bumps and swerves in the music. In the Perpetuum mobile, Krylov’s bow and fingers work at breakneck speed, while Shamray maintains the momentum with a succession of lively, increasingly complicated themes. It is impossible not to be drawn into the players’ orbit in this galvanising performance.   

Ravel’s Tsigane evokes the uninhibited musical ruminations of a solitary gypsy violinist. Krylov brings the music to life with his expressive, imaginative interpretation, matched perfectly by Shamray’s colourful pianism.

Franck’s four-movement Sonata in A major (a wedding present for violinist Eugene Ysaÿe) is a monumental work that traverses the full gamut of emotions. This performance is spellbinding throughout, from the pure tones of the lyrical opening to the passionate and exhilarating finale.

Having played continuously for about eighty minutes, Krylov and Shamray return to the stage for a Q&A; and after that, they treat the already overindulged audience with a substantial encore: Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro on a Theme by Pugnani.

Sergej Krylov and Konstantin Shamray play at the Great Synagogue, Sydney on 12 March.