The thing that I love about Cambridge is just how easy it is to interact with experts. Whilst this may not be a good thing when having your weekly essay critiqued, it is certainly a good thing when it comes to music. On Saturday evening, in the intimate setting of Clare Hall, a group of music lovers were treated to an intimiate, vibrant session with one of the rising stars of classical music. Shai Wosner played and then discussed an inspired and invigorated selection of Schubert’s piano works, complemented by a selection of other composers’ reflections on the genius of Vienna. Helped by an intelligently designed programme and an insightful commentary, the concert was clearly designed to deepen our knowledge of a composer who is too often overlooked.

Like the very best history teacher, Schubert takes you back into a previous age. Through Wosner’s hands, we were transported from the stark modernism of Clare Hall into Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. Completely assured and superbly phrased, Wosner allowed the best of Schubert’s rolling melodies to sing through the Impromptus and the Valses. His phrasing and dynamics were sensitive and true to the original, evoking the naivety and innocence that characterises Schubert when played well.

The middle section of the concert was its weakest patch. Wosner was at his best when dealing with Schubert’s lively dances; we were given a workmanlike but uninspired walk through Widmann’s more reflective and contemplative Idyll and Abyss. Likewise, his treatment of Ravel’s Valses was competent, without being truly exciting. By the time we got to the Sonata in D, however, we knew what to expect. Wosner did not disappoint, with a lively and zesty rendition of the famous sonata.

The evening was completed by Wosner and David Dolan performing some inspired improvisation. In a deliberate nod to Schubert’s love of the four-handed piano, we were given an energetic modern interpretation of Schubert that rounded off a delightful and inspiring evening. This was the first in the series of Intimate Engagements at Clares Hall this year, and it bodes well for an exciting season ahead.