SRURA CHERKASSKY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 248, 19 October 1928, Page 3

SRURA CHERKASSKY.

A PHENOMENA!. PIANIST.

AX AMAZING PERFORMER.

A remarkable exhibition of pianistic still and interpretative gifts was displayed by the young Russian pianist, Shura Cherkassky, who gave his premier recital in the Town Hall last night under the direction of E. J. Gravestock, Ltd. The young artist made a great sensation and met with a flattering reception, warm and excited enthusiasm prevailed all through the concert, whilst at the close ox the recital Shura was overwhelmed with applause from the audience, and before he was parted with three extra ?->los were insisted upon.

Better pianoforte work than Shura presented has not been heard in Auckland, and though only 16 years of age he performs with the maturity and intelligence of older artists. His style reflects the playing of Teresa Carreno, specially in its broadness of outline, strong rhythmical impulse and energetic vivacity. He is a brilliant colourist, and secures a surprisingly rich and searching tone. The scales are executed with notable distinctness and are of pearly quality. In passages of lyrical beauty such as are found in Liszt's '"'Third Nocturne," he floats over the ivories in a velvety and coaxing style, securing a delightful cantabile. A remarkably comprehensive programme was submitted, which only the greatest players of the day dare present, but to Shura nothing appeared difficult; he was equally happy in the classical school as in the modern, and gave performances of the tone-poems which were a joy to follow.

The Bach-Liszt organ '''Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor" was executed in a style 'which aimed to weave delicate patterns of sound, demanding clearness of technique, delicacy of rhythm, and a just use of dynamics. There were no exaggerated nuances or passionate fervour, only the display of the wondertuY contrapuntal contents, and flowing figuration. The various voices of the great Fugue were played with much activity and interest, and episodes and codettas were given with musical understanding. Beethoven's "Sonata in F Minor" 5 received a colossal performance; a prestissimo rendering was secured of the Finale, the Andante was deliciously presented, and skilfully treated was the Allegro Assai. Chopin's "Premier Scherzo" was perrormed with fiery energy in the initial section, and the Molto Piu Lento was given in a songful way. The same author's

'•Barcarolle'' and Etudes, Op 10 and 25, Nog. 3 and 12, were also delightfully exposed. Hofmann's "Kaliedoskop" was brilliantly delivered, and Serge Rachmaninoff's '"Cossack Prelude" was given with strongly marked rTiythmic intent. The concert concluded with the Schultz-Elver Arabesque on Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz," which received an irresistible performance.

Anat-ole Liadov's ' Mosquito Dance" and '"La Tabatiere" and an "Impromptu" were the concluding encore pieces. The second recital will be given tomorrow evening when Bach's "Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue" and Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" will be included in the programme.