Concert: London Bridge Trio at Sidmouth Parish Church

The trio, formed in 2002, is renowned for deeply nuanced and searching interpretations. The name reflects an admiration for the music of Frank Bridge and other early 20th-century composers, though the repertoire extends much further than that. Their recordings, covering the works of the Schumanns and the Mendelssohns as well as Frank Bridge, have earned glowing plaudits and an enviable reputation for the players.

Their Sidmouth appearance will start with Beethoven’s Piano Trio in G, opus 1/2. This was the second of a set of three published in 1795 and dedicated to Prince Lichnowsky whose generosity provided Beethoven with a substantial annuity. This early trio still has the mould of the established masters, Haydn and Mozart, but evidence of Beethoven forging his own path can be heard.

Fanny Mendelssohn lived in the shadow of her famous brother Felix, but the patriarchal attitudes of the times did not entirely prevent her from pursuing her own career. Her trio in D minor, opus 11, was written in 1846 as a birthday gift to her sister. The outer movements are extrovert in character, with the two middle ones intimate and expressive.

After the interval a single work will complete the recital. Robert Schumann’s trio no 1 in D minor, opus 83, was written in 1847 in a matter of only two weeks. Nonetheless its music is densely woven, displaying an expressive and romantic form. Its first movement is dramatic and expansive, followed by an exuberant scherzo for the second. The third is a slow, protracted lament which darkens as the movement progresses. The final movement sweeps away those dark clouds with euphoric celebration that bring the work to an exhilarating conclusion.

Tickets, at £18, are available online via SidmouthMusic.org.uk, or from Paragon Books in the High Street, or on the door. Any enquiries can be made to 01395 597454.