THE latest in the Classical Music Society's Live at the Library series featured popular local pianist Janine Smith.

In Beethoven's Sonata in D Major, Janine's fingers scampered over the keys in an expressive presto movement, and she brought out the various feelings of this sonata, from a stately largo to the rondo conclusion.

In the Brazilian Cycle by Villa Lobos, which sounded extremely difficult to play, Janine gave a powerful performance, producing tremendous volume from the piano.

I was a bit disappointed with her performance of Chopin's Ballade in G Minor, which I felt she played a little heavily.

Haydn's Sonata in E flat major was gently played, and very restful, then we heard a work new to me, The Stourhead Follies by Worcester composer, Ian Venables. Again this was a good performance by Janine, but I was not enamoured of the music.

The best was kept until last, when we were treated to a brilliant performance of Debussy's Pour le Piano, Janine really making the piano talk. I look forward to Janine's next visit.

VJS