Duo Giuseppe Fricelli and Daria Aleshina got together for an evening of pianoforte duets. Joining them as guest pianist was young and talented Francesca Orlando, who performed Chopin’s Ballade no.1 in G Minor op.23 and Liszt’s Consolation no.3.

Despite suffering from expected nerves, Francesca acquitted herself admirably. A controlled sense of dynamics coupled with a silken touch ensured that the two Romantic pieces she chose for performance came off with success. She has the right temperament for the Romantic repertoire and we are sure that with more experience she will be able to delight more audiences in the future!

Performing works by Schubert, Tarenghi, Grieg and Barber, the duo showed enormous experience of playing not only as soloists but also together. Balance was maintained throughout and each showed mutual respect for the other in terms of tone and dynamics. Pianoforte music is always very exciting and this was the second one that the Festival hosted. The repertoire is vast and diverse and it always proves a very exciting recital when two pianists get together to make fine music!