MUSICA VIVA PLAYERS

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25637, 28 October 1948, Page 3

MUSICA VIVA PLAYERS

ANOTHER FINE CONCERT Although the programme played in the Radiant Theatre last evening did not contain such powerful music as that given to us by the Musica Viva Players last week, nevertheless It delighted the audience who gave these highly talented players a great reception. • With these players one takes technical skill for granted, yet the consummate ease displayed in their work could have been gained only by unremitting hard work and devotion to the perfecting of every smallest detail. Th§ string players have manv varieties of tone under their control. At times the softest sounds come So smoothly, at others a cutting resonant edge gives brilliance to their tone. Between these extremes there are many gradations and all are applied fo faithfully to their interpretative ideal. They have achieved a perfect balance between them and their readings show rare musicianly insight. Miss Maureen Jones is an .accomplished pianist who brings to her work the same finish displayed by the string players, Messrs Pikler, Cockman. Goldner, and Salzman. Tt is to be hoped that we will have the opportunity of hearing a quintet on their next visit. The programme opened with thq Quartet in G minor, Op. 10 by Debussy. The first movement of a passionate, restless, questing nature announces the themes which, in varying rhythmic transformations are heard throughout the work. The second movement, a scherzo, has much the atmosphere as the first. Some remarkably clever trilling was heard in this. The Slow movement is the gem in this quintet.. It is a movement of wide vistas. Although the theme is modal in character it is quite free from any pseudo ecclesiasticism. It created a wonderful atmosphere and the players are .to be congratulated on a magnificent performance. Mozart’s Quartet in D major, K. 575, suited titerx performers, and although Mozart of the supreme tests for all players,- the ovation given at its conclusion was not only richly deserved, but was of a type rarely accorded by Christchurch audiences. In the first movement the graceful melodies were clearly outlined with all the finesse of tone graduation that Mozart's music demands. The minuetto opened with a gently beckoning theme and so perfect was the matching 4 of tone by the players that when a phrase was handed on from one instrument to another the eye as well as the ear was needed to follow its travels. The Brahms Trio Op. 87 was played with depth of expression and true romantic warmth. It had been splendidly rehearsed for in * all its contrasting mopds. varied tempi, and wide grad- . ing of power the three players were of one mind. If is a friendly work and always a great favourite. The third movement, with its will o’ the wisp character, produced some delight- • ful playing by Miss Jones. There is ho doubt that the Musica : Viva Players have made a deep im- ; pression on their audiences, and fur- • ther trans-Tasman visits from them will be eagerly awaited. C.F.B.