SUNDAY CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 209, 5 September 1938, Page 5

SUNDAY CONCERT.

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY. THREE FINE WORKS. That there is in this city a steadily growing appreciation of chamber music was amply demonstrated by the large size of the audience in the Lewis Eady Hall yesterday afternoon, when the Auckland Chamber Music Society presented a most enjoyable programme, the works chosen for performance being Haydn's "Emperor" Quartet, Arensky's D Minor Trio, and the Quintet in F Minor, by Brahms, this latter being for pianoforte and strings. The players were: Helen Gray (first violin), Moya Cooper-Smith (second violin), Freda Wallis (viola), Jean Clarkeon ('cello), and Kathleen O'Leary (piano). Of the three works, each a fine example of its class, the quintet was undoubtedly outstanding. This composition was recast by Brahms three times, first appearing in the form of a quintet for strings, later completely rewritten ae a sonata for pianoforte duet, and, finally, revised into its present form of a quintet for pianoforte and strings. A most meritorious performance was given to this great work, both as regards execution and interpretation. The forceful first movement was given sonorously and rhythmically. The lyrical second movement, in which the piano and strings in turn have some lovely melodies, was played with delightful expression. The contrasting rhythms of the thunderous "scherzo" were clearly expressed, and a vigorous performance of the brilliant fourth movement made an impressive finale to a most enjoyable concert. A bright opening to the concert*was made by the performance of Haydn's charming "Emperor? quartet, in which the players were Helen Gray, Moya Cooper-Smith, Freda Wallie and Jean Clarkeon. Particularly enjoyable in this was the "Poco adagio contabile," the theme of which is generally known ae "The Emperor's Hymn." Both tone and blend were most satisfactory throughout this rendition. Not the least appreciated performance of the afternoon was that of Arensky's Trio in D Minor, one of the moot popular of all works of its kind. This brilliant and melodious work, artistically played by Helen Gray, Jean Clarkson and Kathleen O'Leary. was thoroughly enjeyed, much enthusiastic applause following at the conclusion of the performance. The society, which is doing great work iu raising artistic standards in thie city, is to be congratulated upon a most successful concert, while the performers are to be complimented upon three fine per-1 formances, each being notable for evenness of ensemble and appropriate ehad- j ing, the outcome, no doubt, of keen and i conscientious rehearsal. The players were recalled at the end of the concert and, amidst renewed applause, were each presented with aj bunch of flowem. '