MR WORSLEY' CONCERT.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14344, 2 May 1912, Page 7

MR WORSLEY' CONCERT.

.Mr Alfred Worsley introduced himself last night with a highly interesting programme that in its execution left uo doubts as to his niusicianly qualities and his merits a*- a pianist. At tho same, timo the warmly expressed appreciation by tho audience of music of exclusively high standard may bo gratefully recorded, tho moro readily because » considerable part of tho programme had not been heard before in Christehurch. Tho wonderfully clover variations by Tschaikowsky -wer© thoughtfully and effectively given; Moskowski with his fine r-onso and aptitude* in the display of tho best qualities of the piano, was well represented by his very attractive "Scherzo Valse." brilliantly played, aud McDowell's charming sl-ctches, well contrasted in the three pieces selected, and bracketed with tho weirdly romantic "Witches' Dance," proved the taste and insight of tho periormcr abundantly. Perhaps the most fascinating numbers of tho proßrnnimo wero tho finely original "Melody" by Rachmaninoff, aud, oven in a higher degree, Debussy's "Arabesque," the manner of Their interpretation leaving littir* to bo desired. Tho "Ballad" by Liszt, moro like an improvisation, requires a very high degree of executive skill,-and Mr" Worsley proved himself fully equal to tho task," somewhat, prejudiced by tho prevailing echoes of tho hall. His "cantileno" is broad, and freo from tho chopping tendoncies so frequently met with of lato, and tho brilliant "passages are produced with perfect oaso nnd a comraendnblo lightness. Altogether Mr Wc-raley must bo regarded as a welcome addition to tho ranks of the talented musicians of this city. Mrs Gower Burns chose' Bproe vorv pood songs. In the "Cavatina" from "Jl Trovatore," nnd in "Nymphs and Fawns," sho excelled as Usual in brilliancy of execution, and among the other numbers tho "Legend" by Tschaikowsky. Mnllinsoh'B fiuo **ong "Suowflakcs," and tho splendid "Pr-j----ludo" by Lnndon Ronald from the "Cyclo of Life," took easily _ first placo as regards their interpretation on her part. Dr. Bradshaw accompanied in a style much too rarely heard hero, and ho deserves the fullest praise for tho way he contributed his important sliare in a highly successful and enjoyable concert.