For the second concert of the season the Middlewich and District Concerts Society were treated by the Pleyel Ensemble (Heather Bills, cello, and Harvey Davies, piano) to a recital that was both enthralling and entertaining.

Heather explained that her cello was originally made in 1620, but rather larger than its current size, having been rebuilt in the 18^th century. It certainly produced a gorgeous sound. They started the recital with a sonata for gamba and harpsichord by JS Bach. This transferred well to cello and piano, being bright, with clear lines. There followed Schumann's "Fünf Stücke im Volkston" (five pieces in a folk style). For a relatively unknown piece, there was much to enjoy.

The second half began with Kenneth Leighton's "Elegy", sombre and absorbing as the title suggests. The last piece was the sonata by Shostakovich. With music of this quality one wonders why he only wrote one! It was full of melodies, with both tenderness and bravura bordering on the reckless and called for great technique on the part of the musicians. Some of the sounds coming from the cello were extraordinary and the piano was given a real workout. Moreover, it kept the audience engaged throughout. What a privilege to have been there!