WOMEN'S FORUM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 234, 3 October 1932, Page 10

WOMEN'S FORUM.

TALK ON MUSIC. "Mendelssohn and his Mueic" was the subject of an address given by Miss Alice Law, L.R.A.M., to the members of the Pemvomen's Club on Friday afternoon. Mendelssohn, said Miss Law, composed without the vigour and the directness of the giant Beethoven or the emotionalism of Chopin. His style and prevalent mood suggested the perfect manners of the cultured man of the world, the social favourite, rather than the. fine frenzy of genius. This happy serenity and polished elegance constituted his peculiar charm and one which had its own place and use in the realm of music, and should not be ignored. Mendelssohn stood as the exponent of delicate fancy and gentle moods which lightly touched the surface of emotion as a bird skimmed the sunlit lake without disturbing its depths. His work had the abstract beauty of form and symmetry which satisfied the taste without arousing very deep intellectual feelings. Miss Law then gave a brief account of Mendelssohn's life. His grandfather was a noted Jewish philosopher, and his father a wealthy banker who had become a Christian. His mother's name was Bartlioldy, and Mendelssohn adopted this name to distinguish him from the other branches of the family. At the age of ten Mendelssohn played in public, and at 12 he composed in a remarkable manner. Several beautiful studies, including "Prelude in E Minor," "On the Wings of Song," "Sherzo in E Minor" and "Spinning Song" were played by Miss Law, who gave a brief word picture of each piece before she plays it. Mrs. Carr Rollett, the president of the Penwomen's Club, presided, and passed a vote of thanks to Miss Law at the conclusion of the address.