The "sold out" signs were up again Monday evening at the Lakeside School, where the Seattle Chamber Music Society's Summer Festival started up its second of four weeks. Thus far, the weather has been the only thing that's tepid; the performers have been sensational and the music revelatory.

Another of this year's newcomers delivered Monday's pre-concert recital: the pianist Alon Goldstein, whose insightful commentary on the program was almost as good as his subtle traversal of four Bach Duetti and two pieces by Debussy (including the sparkling "L'Isle joyeuse").

Goldstein returned in the main concert for one of the evening's most impressive performances: the Beethoven Cello Sonata in A Major (Op. 69), with Ronald Thomas as the cello soloist. One of the festival's most accomplished artists, Thomas is always a pleasure to hear, but it's unusual for any musician to find a partner who so thoroughly shares the musical vision of the soloist. Here was artistry of a very high level, a seamless partnership between two musicians of real distinction. Goldstein supported Thomas admirably, making his own strong statement in the Beethoven without ever overwhelming Thomas' beautifully phrased, technically adept solo line.

An opening Mozart piano trio (K.496), with another fine pianist (Shai Wosner, in particularly elegant form) joining violinist Ani Kavafian and cellist Toby Saks, had more than its share of rocky moments, some of them involving intonation.

Review


Monday, Lakeside School

No such problems emerged in the evening's finale, the great Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G Minor (Op. 57). From the feverish introduction by pianist Jeremy Denk to the harmonious if anticlimactic finale, this performance went from one peak of intensity to another. Denk was the foundation, producing strongly inflected sonorities that often sounded downright orchestral. He shared the stage with four first-rate strings: violinists Carmit Zori and James Ehnes, violist Toby Appel and cellist Robert deMaine, all players of great musical passion. The results were exciting indeed.

Tonight's pre-concert recital will give cello fans a chance to hear more of deMaine (he'll also play one of his own compositions). These recitals have been filling up awfully fast; to be assured of a seat, listeners should arrive before 6:30 p.m. If the main concert is sold out, there's always one consolation: free outdoor seating on the lawn, where the music is broadcast for all comers. Bring chairs and blankets.

Melinda Bargreen: mbargreen@seattletimes.com