The two-month summer break between recitals might have felt like a short blink to many but judging from the speed at which tickets sold, and the full-house crowd at Breinton on Saturday, we must have all been quite desperate to get back into concert mode. And what an incredible evening this was; worthwhile waiting patiently for!

The music performed by violinist Cristian de Sá and pianist John Lenehan, with the first half centred around pieces composed for the legendary violinist Joseph Joachim and the very French second half, was glorious – and deliciously ripe that when we bit into it, we tasted irresistible nectar.  It was an evening where we felt every human emotion – joy, passion, excitement, peace, kindness, humour, sorrow and pain, all expressed by the gorgeous harmonies and melodies in the skillful hands of Cristian and John.

Brahms’ punchy FAE Scherzo was a perfect welcoming piece which refreshed our (at least mine) semi-asleep summer mode and set us on the right track. Clara Schumann’s remarkably expressive Three Romances embraced us and established the dialogue not only between the violin and piano, but with the audience. Brahms’ Violin Sonata No. 2 was warmly inviting, with sounds so pure, as if gently guiding us to listen and feel.

Two lovely short works by Debussy started the second half, and what elegant little gems they were, immediately setting the French tone. Faure’s dramatic Violin Sonata was a whirl of emotions – the violin and piano were woven tightly at one moment and freely at other times. If I was forced to choose my favourite moment, it was the serene yet poignant beauty of the second movement, where the violin sang over the delicate accompaniment of the piano.

Cristian’s sound making and articulation is deeply thoughtful with the utmost care – delicate and detailed to express subtleness without being too purposeful and losing the flow. What beautiful sounds he plays – we heard nothing that wasn’t beautiful for the whole evening. John’s chamber music expertise allows him to adapt in every shape and style while creating something subtly unique and individual, without ever losing the sight of playing heartfelt music with Cristian.

Maurice Ravel’s Piece en forma de Habanero concluded the lovely recital, which satisfied the full-capacity audience.