Alexander Laing: Violinist

This article first appeared in the Lichfield Mercury on 10.04.08:

On Saturday, April 5, in the intimate setting of the Lichfield Garrick Studio, the audience was treated to an evening of spectacular classical music by violinist Alex Laing and Adam Caird on the piano, as part of the theatre’s new Classical Concert Series.

Laing is based in Lichfield but is nationally known in the classical world as a rising star of the violin. Caird travelled from London for the concert, and likewise has a growing reputation for both playing and composing. The duo performed a varied programme of sonatas by Beethoven, Ravel and Franck. Laing demonstrated great technical mastery of the complex compositions—such was the speed of the playing in the finale of the Ravel that smoke and not rosin dust appeared to be rising from the violin.

But he also showed a flair for conveying the emotion and mood of the pieces, particularly evident in the second movement of Beethoven’s “Spring” sonata. In the romantic passion of the Franck, Caird’s virtuosity on the piano was mesmerising and the connection between the two musicians and their evident joy in the performance was a delight.

As well as the brilliance of the playing, what made the evening stand out was Laing’s clear, entertaining but informative introductions to the works. This gave the audience a greater understanding of the music before it was performed, and an indication as to the musicians’ feelings about the pieces.

The evening was completed by an encore composed by Adam Caird titled Unreel—a delightful and fun mix of Scottish fiddle with jazz piano; and a contrast to the classical pieces which had gone before. It was a pleasure to be in presence of such talent, but it was a shame so few shared in the experience. The Garrick Studio, with its excellent Steinway grand piano, is an ideal venue for this type of intimate chamber recital. If the quality of other concerts in the series is as high as Laing and Caird’s then this series deserves to be better supported and attended.