Date: Fri 26-Feb-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Levine-Kates-Friedman-Brahms

Full Text:

(rev Friedman-Levine-Kates Trio @NFoM)

CONCERT REVIEW: Pianist Adds A Missing Link

By June April

It was only during the second half of the program that the musical spark

finally ignited musicians and audience alike at the February 21 concert

sponsored by the Newtown Friends of Music. Whereas the Friedman-Levine-Kates

Trio performed well playing Mozart and Schubert in the first half, there was

just no "magic" or passion in their performance.

Whether it was the addition of the pianist Claude Frank to the trio's numbers,

or that Brahms' music was closer to their musical souls, the three men seemed

to come alive and played in a more enthusiastic manner for Act II of their

Newtown concert.

Though the musicians have known each other for a very long time, cellist

Stephen Kates acknowledged they only get together to practice when they have

an engagement as a group. Each of them has a full schedule.

When Claude Franks played the opening three octaves for the Brahms Quartet in

C minor (No. 3, Op. 60) , it was immediately clear that here was a man with

power and skill. A piano work has its own quiet dignity. There were no

melodramatic posturings, simply fine musicianship. As the guest artist, he

brought the afternoon concert to a more credible, and impassioned level.