Members of the Kromatik Ensemble have international reputations of the calibre of those usually seen performing at the EIF and yet here they were in a local church – such are the delights of the Fringe! This Debussy and Messiaen programme was all engrossing – it was performed with such mastery, commitment and desire to serve the intention of the composers. Highlights were pianist Valeria Szervánszky being by turns playful and moving in Debussy’s ‘Préludes’, mezzo soprano Lucilla Graham’s expressive and lovely ‘Fêtes Gallantes’ by Debussy and a wonderful ‘Quatuor Pour La Fin Du Temps’. The latter, heard by me on three continents many times, was the finest so far; the musicians captured what inspired Messiaen in a WW2 POW camp – only faith is left.

Greyfriars Kirk, final show 25 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Louise Rodgers]