Marco Abbrescia and Valentina Ciardelli

Watching someone play the double bass with the speed, fluidity and skill more usually associated with a virtuoso violinist is an extraordinary experience because it’s so rare players of this background instrument get a chance to show off their grandstanding talents. This pair of Italians, both on courses at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, held their audience spellbound at the chapel of the Old Royal Naval College as they gave one of the most delightfully surprising recitals I have seen for a good while. Ciardelli’s section included her own composition, Zen Meditation No1, and a fabulous arrangement (by her) of Frank Zappa’s Blessed Relief. But the highlight of a magnificent hour of music was Abbrescia playing Chopin’s Etude Op 25 No7 in C-sharp minor, which was nothing short of glorious. 

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