Twelve Variations on a Russian Dance - Beethoven

The Sentimental Andalusian Woman - Turina

Granada - Albeniz

Wienen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen - Liszt

Asturias - Albeniz

Composers like Turina and Albeniz exploit local colour to such an extent that one sometimes wonders which is more important, the Spanishness or the music. Or could it be, as suggested by Turina's title, The Sentimental Andalusian Woman, that it is the sense of nostalgia, for a Spain of hot sun and guitars, which drives the music?

Jose Luis Castillo, however, comes from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and for him it must be the music which is pre-eminent, and the opportunities it offers for brilliant pianism. A youthful energy and an unusual virtuosity, which reached its apex in Albeniz's Asturias, transcended any hint of nostalgia.

The most substantial work in last Sunday's recital in the Lane Gallery was Liszt's sombre masterpiece, the variations on Bach's Wiener, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen. This demands, more than any digital dexterity, a careful balancing of parts and the ability to communicate a great depth of feeling. Jose Luis Castillo was equal to the challenge and delineated the sonorous ending without any loss of tone or of precision. The quieter moments were equally persuasive and the showman side of Liszt was never obtrusive.

Beethoven's Twelve Variations on a Russian Dance, with its rapid changes of mood, made a provocative beginning to the recital.