Music / Santamental, Daniel Röhn. At Wesley Music Centre, December 19. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

German violin virtuoso Daniel Röhn invited an audience of music lovers to a festive reflection on their year, while they listened to music.

From JS Bach to White Christmas, Röhn performed a selection of solo violin and piano music that had everyone feeling the love at this time of year.

When I last reviewed Röhn, he performed with the Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi at a gala concert in the Snow Concert Hall. As I remember, he blew me away with his virtuosity. I was glad to hear that nothing had changed.

From the moment Röhn started playing Paganini’s Caprice No. 11 on the Wesley Music Centre stage, he held the entire room’s attention. This playful, electric music, technically dynamic and testing for any player, Röhn, without sheet music, created a storm of sound.

Chopin’s Mazurka No. 15, Op. 24 No. 2, with Röhn surprisingly to this reviewer, at the grand piano, and again, without sheet music, burst forth the notes of this boisterous piece. What a talented performer, to be able to create such sounds on two, and perhaps more instruments.

He moved on to a piece of delicious movie music from Scent of a Woman. The Por una cabeza, by Carlos Gardel, arranged by Augustin Hadelich. This instantly triggered that image of the dance scene with Al Pacino and Gabrielle Anwar.

Then it was Christmas time, a White Christmas by Irving Berlin. Having never heard it for solo violin, it took some time to recognise it, until that most memorable tune kicked in. This classical arrangement showed off many of Röhn’s considerable skills.

Back at the piano for a Scarlatti Sonata in E Major, K 380. Feeling somewhat modern, this memorable work has the sound of Christmas bells in its light-hearted style. Again, it was performed with much sensitivity and brilliance.

On to the Bach, the Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006. In its seven sections, this is baroque music of the highest calibre. To hear it performed by such an inspiring player is one of life’s treasures.

The second half had Santa Claus is Coming to Town, blues, more Paganini, Brahms, Nordic traditional music and, of course, O Come, all ye Faithful.

Watching a performer can tell a viewer so much about their dedication, ability, and about how connected they are to their craft. Röhn is as connected and dedicated as they come, and then some. He lives and breathes music; he has it in his being, which makes his concerts a most special experience, as this was.

While he had a moment near the end where he stopped and left the stage as the lights overwhelmed him and he probably should have paused for a drink, he quickly came back to the stage for the final two violin works, it was still a remarkable concert.