CHRISTOPHER SMITH The Kungsbacka Trio launched into the Ghost Trio of 1808 with vigour and commitment that tapped the boundless energy of its extended opening movement.

CHRISTOPHER SMITH

The Kungsbacka Trio, with Malin Broman (violin), Jesper Svedberg (cello) and Simon Crawford-Phillips (piano), launched into the Ghost Trio of 1808 with vigour and commitment that tapped the boundless energy of its extended opening movement. This had the authentic ring of passionate Beethoven in a great creative period.

In contrast the second movement, which gives the work its nickname, began very quietly. Without vibrato, the two string players drained colour from their notes to help create an eerie sensation. Emotions soon flared up again, but only to make the welcome return to the original mood more powerful still. The finale was taut and thrilling.

In a change of programme revealing scant consideration for members of the public for whom preparation is an integral part of the enjoyment of a concert or for others who have been attracted by an all Beethoven programme, the advertised folk song arrangements were replaced, with neither explanation nor apology, by Maurice Ravel's 1915 Trio. Fortunately this splendidly inventive work was performed with all the great skill and verve that we had all come to expect of such talented players as these.

t The Kungsbacka Piano Trio were performing at the Assembly House.