Music / German Classics, Rueben Levi Oddy and Olena Nikulina, At Wesley Uniting Church, August 15. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

Violinist Rueben Levi Oddy and pianist Olena Nikulina presented a program of German classics spanning the classical period to the late romantics.

Following a nine-year absence, Reuben Levi Oddy, who is from Moruya, recently returned to Australia to perform a series of concerts with Olena Nikulina, who graduated in 1999 from the Donetsk State Conservatoire, Ukraine. She is now based in Canberra.

They opened with Mozart’s Violin Sonata in Bb Major, K454. It was clear from the first few notes that this duo were frontline, high-quality performers. Their authority and presence was strong and clear.

Mozart’s music is the epiphany of classical beauty and elegance. It sits perfectly framed in its content and construction. The score for each instrument is clearly defined through the expressive writing. This is especially seen in Mozart’s slow movements; his quality of construction cuts through.

The symmetry of both instruments created a delicate and sensitive atmosphere. The third movement is a work of art all in itself. Nikulina let the music take over her playing. Clearly enjoying the refinement, she smiled throughout and moved to each phrase. This music always leaves the listener feeling euphoric, and this time it surpassed expectations with exceptional quality playing.

Then, another three movement work, the A Major Violin Sonata, Op.100 by Brahms. The sonata’s warmth and melancholy evoke powerful emotions in the listener.

Experiencing a work of art with such a diverse range of sounds is truly satisfying. Its highs and lows ebb and push colours to create a rich palette of musical delights. Each movement has a scope that crosses the grand to the intimate. The two players brought out the finest things this contains. There’s not a moment that doesn’t feel profound and passionate.

After the intermission, an even more passionate work, Mendelssohn’s transcribed Violin Concerto in E minor. The powerful opening tune immediately places a listener in a state of readiness for the beauty that follows.

The solo violin parts show just how exceptional Mendelssohn was as a composer. And did Oddy make it sound world class? He certainly did. From start to finish, the concert radiated sophistication and refinement.

They encored with a short, even more passionate work, a tango by Elena Kats-Chernin. Don’t miss them the next time they hit town Canberra; you won’t be disappointed.