St Andrew's Music and Arts Festival at Gorleston

Although only 28, Alexander Porter has already been acclaimed for his performance of Schumann and Debussy, and his Gorleston recital featured a well chosen programme of music by several great romantics. His clever interpretation of the music revealed great insight and intensity. Alexander captured fully the beauty of Schubert's impromptu in F minor, his virtuosity and understanding shining through the difficulties of the score. His performance of Schumann, rarely played novelette in F sharp minor skilfully, revealed the contrasting light hearted and sombre moods.

However, it might be thought that it was his lyrical account of Liszt's music from Annees de Pelegrinage (Suise) which was the highlight of the evening, evoking the sight and sounds of the composer's travels in Switzerland.

A poised and insightful performance of music by Debussy also gave great pleasure and one could almost sense the water sprite Ondine delighting in the refreshing water. The programme culminated in Shostakovich's Prelude and Fugue in D minor, which Alexander played with the understanding and virtuosity which had characterised his recital throughout.

This was a most enjoyable evening. But programme notes regarding the music would have been appreciated.