CHAMBER MUSIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 244, 15 October 1935, Page 10

CHAMBER MUSIC.

SOCIETY'S FOURTH CONCERT. INTERESTING PROGRAMME. The fourth and final concert of the Auckland Chamber Music Society's 193') season, held in the Lewis Eady Hall last evening, was notable for novelty as we!' as variety. Three of the four works presented were played here for the first time, and one of these, Rontgen'e Quintet in A Minor, was given its first New Zealand performance. The programme opened with the allegro appassionata movement from a quartet, the composition ot' Mr. Temple Bevan, a resident of Auckland, the players being Haydn Murray (first violin), Carl Wnitmore (second violin), Lois Walls (viola) and Lalla Hemus ('cello). This was an interesting work with modern tendencies in harinonisation, but, nevertheless, had its melodious moments. A performance by the same players of J. B. McEwen d Seventh Quartet ("Nugae"), comprising seven "Bagatelles" under the following descriptive titles: (1) "Lament" (andante moderato); (2) March of the Littla Folk"; (3) "Peat Reek" (andante); (4) ; "Scherzino" (vivace); (5) "Humoresque ' (allegro); (6) "The Dhu Loch" (andante expressivo); (7) "Red Murdoch" (marcato alia mareia, vivace), was much enjoyed by the audience, which appreciated to tnc full a most musicianly rendition of these little pieces of contrasted styles ana character. The Quintet in A Minor, by Julius Hontgen, a composer of the romantic school, and who was at one time director of the Amsterdam Conservatorium, proved to be most enjoyable, the players, Dora Judsoa (piano), Haydn Murray (first violin), Lois Walls (second violin), Amy Stevenson (viola) and Lalla Henina ('cello), giving a very finished and facile performance. The high light of the evening undoubtedly was the performance of Ernest C'hausson's Concerto in D Major for pianoforte, violin and string quartet, the soloists in which were Dora Judson (piano) and Vincent Aspey (violin), with Haydn Murray (first violin), Lois Walls (second violin). Amy Stevenson (viola) and Lalla Hemus ('cello) playing the i quartet accompaniment. This emotional but melodious work, ringed throughout with a dreamy sadness, was given in a manner which brought out all its charm and noble 6incentv, making a deep impression upon its listeners.

The performances throughout the evening were characterised by even balance, excellent tone and intonation. Special mention might be made of Mist) Judson'cs clean, clear-cut work at the piano in tne quintet and the concerto, also of Mr. Aspey's artistic violin playing in the latter work.

The annual general meeting was held after the concert, when the following were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mr. It. E. Fen ton; vicepresidents, Messrs. Varley Hudson, F. I'uckey and Professor Egerton; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. R. E. Fenton; committee, Mesdames Parkes and Talbot, Messrs. Ilipkins, Hudson, Gibson, Thomson and Morton.