Music at the Cathedral

On Sunday, one of the most beautiful fall days of the year, I headed down to Covington's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption to hear a new violin-piano duo, performing on the Cathedral's music series. Ukrainian-born Anna Polusmiak, a prize-winning pianist and NKU grad, joined Moscow-born violinist Tatiana Berman for a recital of music by Debussy, Beethoven and Arvo Part.

Besides the fact that they looked like they could be sisters, this was a duo that clicked musically, too.

Berman, who is the significant other of Paavo Jarvi, may be partly responsible for the large number of Cincinnati Symphony players in the audience! She studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal College of Music in London, and proved to be a communicative artist of the highest caliber, who projected a pure, sweet tone on her violin.

Polusmiak was a perceptive partner, who matched the violinist in mood and tackled difficult piano passages effortlessly -- and with the artistic maturity of one who is much older than 22. (Incidentally, Anna makes her CSO subscription debut April 27-29 in Music Hall.)

Despite the difficult acoustics for such a recital, I was particularly captivated by their Debussy Sonata, which had wonderful color and spirit. Beethoven's "Kreutzer" Sonata was a joy, as it unfolded with genuine warmth, vigor and spontaneity.

A large crowd of more than 460 packed the church, and applauded their approval. More from this duo, please!