MISS PURNELL

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LVII, Issue 10146, 8 August 1929, Page 3

MISS PURNELL

RECITAL IN NEW YORK

We are in receipt of a communication advising that Miss Winifred Purnell recently gave a very successful concert in New York, News* pajicr comments are as follows; The New York Times: “Winifred Purnell, pianist, of Sydney, Australia, appeared for the first time here in a recital last evening at the Steimvay Hall. Claiming descent on her father’s side from German kinsmen of Beethoven, she was heard with interest in a dearly phrased and melodious performance of that master’s Sonata Op. 's:s. Pier European training was evident in a programme that included also Chopin’s later Bo nata Op. 58. Shorter works ol Bach, Schumann and Liszt, modern pieces by Liadow, Ravel and Philippe. Miss Purnell played abroad many years before returning to the Antipodes, and she’ has recently come to America, by way of Canada.” The New York Musical Courier: “Winifred Purnell pave a plane recital at Steinway Hall, on Apd 17th. The principal works on hei programme were by Bach, Bectho ven, Schumann, Chopin and Liszt, in addition to which there were shorter pieces by Ravel, Liadow and Philippe. The Bach number was an edition by Blanche! of Hi; Fugue in C minor, and for Beethoven, the Sonata Op. 53, war played, while Liszt was represented by the Campanula and Venezia Napoli. There was a second so nata on the programme, the Opus 58 of Chopin. Her playing showed especially a keen interpretativesense and this merit was enhanced by the beauty of her tone. In a programme- of this kind a piams has almost unlimited opportunity for a display of musicianship, technical and inspirational ability, as well as individuality; and in all of these elements Miss Purnell showed herself to be endowed. The New York World; “Winifred Purnell gave a piano recital at Steinway Hall last night. She has an interpretative sense abovtj the average and a clear and limpid touch.” The New York Staats Zjeitung “The young pianist, Wimfrec. Purnell, 1 has a powerful technique, which she uses in the service of a striking interpretation. Her touen is strong, powerful. great and beautiful. Her playing has a happy clarity and transparency. A sound rvthmical sense. The Chopin group was a great success m which she showed great beauty of tune. The Organ Fugue in C minor bv Bach-Blanchet, had volume and interpretative importance as indeed in all her works, the artis gave the impression of an eainest inspired and creative personality. The Liszt, Ravel Liadow, and Philippe group, only increased the favourable impression already made. There was great, success, and the pianist found it necessary to give an encore.