Music : Nelsova Returns to Royce Hall

For Zara Nelsova, who returned Saturday to Royce Hall after seven years, time has nearly stood still. The veritable Brunnhilde of the cello, she charged onstage brandishing her 1726 Strad--set to conquer any foe.

As the ageless virtuosa began to play, a vision in her 1950s blond-glamour coif and red organza gown with gold embossed figures, one saw and heard handsome heroism.

Except for Beethoven’s Sonata in A, which opened a program including Poulenc, Rachmaninoff and Bloch. Even with the solid pianistic support of that other enduring paragon, Brooks Smith, poor Beethoven was subject to the cellist’s painfully sagging pitch and effortful playing.

Yet that playing was never less than heartfelt, and throughout the rest of the recital Nelsova vanquished all challenges with breadth and passion to spare, with stylistic sensitivity and invigorating musicality undiminished.