PIANOFORTE RECITAL

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28420, 29 October 1957, Page 21

PIANOFORTE RECITAL

Mr Leslie Atkinson Shows Ability Mr Leslie Atkinson gave a recital in the Repertory Theatre last evening. It was not a good evening to choose for a concert! and Mr Atkinson did not get the large audience he deserved. Howlever. those who were there enjoyed the programme and were impressed by his excellent techInical ability. He has a clean and flexible control of the keyboard and in bril-1 liant runs and in awkward repeti-) tion passages there is nothing; wanting. There were times, particularly in the “Waldstein” Sonata, when quality of tone was sacrificed for the sake of volume with an unpleasant harshness that was unnecessary and out of keeping with the work. However, the greater part of the last movement was beautifully played. Where the excitement whips up at the end it was not always clear just what I was intended. The Sonata in G. Op. 79. was played with plenty of brilliance and with greater clarity and ring to the tone. Haydn’s Sonata in D. which began the programme, was well shaped in its phrasing and had a pleasing sparkle. The Chopin group consisted of the Fantasie in F minor and the I Polonaise in G sharp minor. A greater contrast in the works—neither of which shows Chopin at his best—would have been appreciated. A set of pieces by Medtner sounded as though they would be considerably more attractive to play than they are to listen to. Mr At’-inson was at his best in Liszt’s “Three Paganini Caprices.” These were very fine indeed. He shows an admirable control and well-disciplined rhythmic qualities in all his playing without detracting from the excitement of i the music. His interpretations have ja broad sweep and he has the [ability to carry them through and | make them convincing. —C.F.B.