Andreas Ottensamer, uxia martinez botana and the Schumann Quartett at Klosters

This recital began with a novelty, a chamber arrangement by Andreas Ottensamer of four of Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, popular solos for amateur pianists. The selection included favourites such as the Venetian Gondolier’s Song, Spring Song and the Kinderstück. The arrangements were for string quartet and clarinet, plus the double bass of leading Spanish bassist Uxía Martínez-Botana, who seemingly came to Klosters for just the ten minutes of this item, but her presence was certainly felt in the warm resonance of St Jakob’s Church. Doubtless someone who teaches in Barcelona and Cremona, as well as working with the Oxford Philharmonic and guesting everywhere, is used to travel. Ultimately though these pieces made a slightly inconsequential opener, Mendelssohn’s charming miniatures sounding over-parted, snatched from their accustomed domestic service and pressed into public performance.

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