KOWALSKI CONCERTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 309, 31 December 1891, Page 5

KOWALSKI CONCERTS.

The final concert of the first Kowalski season was given last evening at the City Hall before an improved dress circle audience. Tho concert would have been enjoyable even had the waynttm opus of the evening been omitted. As ir, was, the performance of the Rreutzer .Sonata by M. Kowalski and Herr J'echotsch made it memorable. Tin* Sonata, which of all the works of Ueothoven appeals most strongly to the imagination, ia the ono which inspired Tolstoi to write the novel of the aanic name which- has created such a sensation through out Europe. After listening to the splendid rendition by M. kowalski and tho talented violinist last night, one easily understood how the intenso sadness,' hopelessness, and dai k desuair which runs through the andante movement would a'lect a mind already morbidly morose. Of the performance of tho eminent pianist in this masterpiece, it is difficult to givo any idea.. It was an interpretation of tho composer's intention as is not likely to occur again for gome time. Manv'had ho doubt heard the sonata boi'orc, but never realised its full beauty and intense significance. "The Fairy's Dance" by Liszt, the'•ltigoletto," his own rouaing "Tambour Battcfit." and the " Marche Hongroi.se" were' excellent, a? foils for each other, and showed that the power of the pianist was not limited to the perfect interpretation of classical music only, but operatic and lighter strains alike. The soloists were happily cast with their songs. The difficult vocalisation of " Ah Kendinie " was triumphed ov«3r by Mart a me. VanderveerGreeno, arid in the "'Banks of Allan Water 7 ' and "Minstrel Boy" shevasmosbsuccessful. The audience were most justly enthusiastic, and the encoros, though numerous, were well earned. Mies Kossow's singing of " Sing, Sweet Bird " was the finest thing she has given us. The staccato passages and the florid, runs and trilla were exquisitely given. The Company will give a short season of three concerts on their return from the Thames, opening on Monday. Most certainly everyone who cares to hear perfect music—Boothoven perfectly rendered —should strive to be present.