Finghin Collins Performs at The National Concert Hall

national | arts and media | opinion/analysis Thursday January 28, 2010 15:54 by Sean Crudden - impero sean.crudden at iol dot ie Jenkinstown, Dundalk, Co Louth. 0879739945

Irish Times Celebrity Concert Series

Finghin Collins struck one absolutely perfect note in the Brahms. His playing is robust, articulate; his left hand played its part wonderfully. His body language offers the greatest assistance to the listener. The National Concert Hall presented Finghin Collins last night in a solo recital on the piano one of The Irish Times Celebrity Concert Series 2009/2010.

"Christ on my right hand; Christ on my left hand
Christ all around me, shield in the strife."

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

Well I do not want to succumb to overstatement but last night’s recital by Finghin Collins was a massive achievement intentional and deliberate the full realisation of imaginative planning. Make no mistake about it this recital was about Schumann’s music. The presentation was full of commitment and authentic conviction. Finghin Collins was not looking for glory or easy applause. He appeared without affectation at the beginning and diffident at the end. But it was mission accomplished. The two sweet encores he generously gave appeared like an afterthought.

Program

Bach: Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826
Schumann: Six Intermezzi, Op. 4

Intermission

Brahms: Three Intermezzi, Op. 117
Schumann: Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Op. 26