Malvern Concert Club: Martin Roscoe and Jennifer Pike

Martin Roscoe piano

Fenella Humphreys violin

Beethoven Sonatas for piano and violin
– No.6 in A, Op.30, No.1
– No.3 in E flat, Op.12, No.3
– No.9 in A, Op.47, Kreutzer

It was a double disappointment for Club members when, in January 2020 – Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year – Tasmin Little OBE was prevented by a hand injury from completing our cycle of his violin and piano sonatas. Then Covid-19 forced her last, rearranged concert in Malvern to be cancelled. Tasmin has now, of course, retired from playing. However, we were delighted that Martin Roscoe invited Jennifer Pike, the distinguished British violinist, to join him for this third and final concert of the series. Unfortunately, Jennifer has had to withdraw from the concert, but we are delighted that Fenella Humphreys, who has recently been playing in partnership with Martin, has agreed to step in.

With an extraordinary career spanning over four decades, Martin Roscoe is unarguably one of the UK’s best loved pianists. Renowned for his versatility at the keyboard, Martin is equally at home in concerto, recital and chamber performances. In an ever more distinguished career, his enduring popularity and the respect in which he is universally held are built on a deeply thoughtful musicianship allied to an easy rapport with audiences and fellow musicians alike. Martin has an extensive discography, including the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas with Peter Cropper on ASV Gold.

Fenella Humphreys enjoys a busy career focusing on chamber music and solo work. A champion of new and unknown music, a number of eminent British composers have written for Fenella. Compositions include a set of 6 works for solo violin from composers including Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Sally Beamish and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. She has been fortunate to record these over 2 critically acclaimed CDs for Champs Hill Records. ‘Humphreys’s utter absorption and delight shines forth at every turn. […] strong-toned, easy fluidity and immaculate technique.’ Charlotte Gardner – Editor’s Choice, Gramophone

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