Autumn in Malvern continued with another high-class concert when Martin Feinstein's ensemble of talented musicians presented a programme of baroque music.

The Triple Concerto in A minor for Violin, Flute & Harpsichord by J S Bach was delivered in a sophisticated and stylish manner. Nicholas Parle, harpsichordist, was indefatigable as he flowed in vibrant, rhythmic melody continuously; his cadenza introduced a rapid, high precision concluding passage from the other performers.

A rarely heard, but much relished piece, was Vivaldi's Sopranino Concerto in C minor, with Feinstein as the sopranino soloist. In the outer movements, his playing was virtuosity at its highest level, sometimes trilling and reminiscent of bird-song. But the central 'Largo' was sublime: a melody of deep emotion, repeated with ornamentation while the continuo harmonised with enriching chords.

Bach's Concerto in C minor for Violin, Oboe & Strings was further evidence of the Feinstein's understanding of baroque music. The first 'Allegro' was a dramatic reiteration between the solo violin and oboe. The 'Adagio's' cantabile melody sustained with supreme artistry by the oboist, developed gradually into an entwined partnership with the violinist.

Bach's Concerto in D minor for Two Violins by Bach exhibited the soloists in equal measure as outstanding technical exponents of their instruments. Finally, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.4 in G major, employing two recorders within the ensemble, reached a magnificent climax as momentum increased in the approach to the final cadence.

Jill Hopkins