THE Cann Twins are world-famous piano duetists and as such displayed prodigious technique, arranging skills and also that innate sense of musicality to perform the eight items on the programme to an extremely high level of execution.

The first work was the Polovtsian Dances, by Borodin. At once extremely soulful (memories of Kismet), with the inner lines weaving away, ending with fireworks. The second was the Sonatina, by Elliot, written just this summer. Particularly memorable was the lyrical slow movement and the energetic third, with many unison passages, played here very impressively.

The first half concluded with the Habanera and Intermezzo from Carmen, and the Blue Danube Waltzes, both great works and excellently arranged, especially the humorous aspects of the latter.

After music from Swan Lake, the twins played Siesta and Fiesta, two short contrasting works, again by Elliot. The first dreamy, the second full of strong rhythms, great music from a composer so modest, so capable, and so missed.

The Dolly Suite, by Fauré, in six parts, was the penultimate work of the afternoon. The Berceuse (listen with mother) set the tone for the rest of the work. Kitty Valse was taken at a brisk tempo, enabling the hemiola (cross rhythm) section in the middle to be suitably effective, and the concluding Le Pas Espagnôl at once rhythmic and effective.

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, by Liszt completed the programme – a fitting end to a most enjoyable afternoon.

Paul Green