ALISON CROOSE Holkham Hall

ALISON CROOSE

The 30th season of Burnham Market Concerts moved into the imposing marble hall at Holkham for a tribute to Lady Margaret Douglas-Home, who established the annual event.

The highly talented pianist Davide Franceschetti guaranteed the special occasion in such a magnificent setting was a fitting testimonial.

There was huge demand for tickets to see and hear the charismatic Italian, who was a big hit at Burnham Market last year.

Franceschetti was again impressive, playing a variety of works which provided effective vehicles with which he could demonstrate his virtuosity. The hall's fine acoustic added pleasure, allowing his skills to be enjoyed to the full.

The 27-year-old opened with Schumann's Kinderscenen, a series of unpretentious but colourful pieces describing childhood to adults, which Franceschetti interpreted with great sensitivity.

More intense and powerful treatment was required for a transcription by Busoni of Bach's Chaconne from his D Minor Partita for unaccompanied violin.

The Sonata in A Minor, composed by Schubert when he was only 20, added to the delights of the evening.

The demands of this work and the subsequent Ballade by Chopin were a showcase for the pianist's impressive technique.

The audience's warm appreciation was rewarded with three encores.