RECENT guests of the Kendal Midday Concert Club were members of the Northern Sinfonia, together with pianist Howard Shelley.

Their choice of programme was astute on three counts: firstly, it had the potential of presenting the depth of talent that is inherent in the Northern Sinfonia; secondly, it gave Kendalians the opportunity to admire the impeccable pianism of Howard Shelley; and thirdly, it enabled us to marvel at the genius that is Mozart's.

I say that the potential was there for hearing the best of what we know the Northern Sinfonia players are capable of. There was so much to admire, of course in the Eb Quintet for Piano and Wind K.452 there was sparkling passage work, careful observation of dynamics and matters of balance, spacious phrasing, lovely tone. But on the flip side could be instanced fleeting moments when rhythmic control was a little wayward and when ensemble unity was not quite perfect.

Much the same could be said about the G minor Quartet for Piano and Strings K.478 which featured beautiful playing characterised by the highest levels of musicianship, sensitive accompanying, illumination of the minutest of details. But, again, there were rough edges here and there both tone quality and notational accuracy not infrequently were below par.

Howard Shelley's performance was difficult to fault. His crisp, precise passage work and lovely cantabile, his wide variety of tonal colouring and superb dynamic control, together with his flawless sense of rhythm ensured his position as linchpin of both these excellent ensembles.

Brian Paynes