FINE PLAYING BY PIANIST

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28679, 1 September 1958, Page 2

FINE PLAYING BY PIANIST

Gary Graffman Concert

Mr Gary Graffman again convinced his audience on Saturday evening that he is a pianist of great distinction. He gave a thrilling concert and played a programme that was thoughtfully balanced with contrasting items.

On this occasion he began with two Scarlatti Sonatas, excellently contrasted, which created delightful atmosphere and led splendidly to the Mozart Sonata in F Major K 332. Mr Graffman deserves our thanks for giving us the unusual opportunity of hearing this delightful music played by a master pianifet. It began iri mellow fashion with gentle liquid sounds. The Whole playing was thoroughly stylish both in the type of sounds produced and also in the pellucid clarity of line. In the second movement‘the melody sang' exquisitely, floating caressingly from the instrument. The finale gushed forth brilliantly like a lot of fountains at play. After this the great work of the evening, Schubert’s “Wanderer” Fantasia was played dazzlingly, in robust and grand manner. All those rushing and sweeping passages were beautifully clear. The variations were poetical arid beautifully shaped, and the extremely difficult last section was played in crisp and dynamic manner. Although Mr Graffman’s performance roused feelings of great excitement there was a steely control shown not only in technique but also in the balance and sense of proportion in his reading. Rachmaninoff In a group of four pieces by Rachmaninoff, Mr Graffman again appeared as a distinguished interpreter of this composer who was himself a pianist without peer. The Elegie was a broadly phrased melody— for the most part singing in quietly reflective style. The first Etude was full of humour and jollity reflecting the bustle of the market-place. Mr Graffman’s vitally rhythmic playing makes such music quite terrific. The second had wispy sounds of gossamer texture. The A minor Prelude had plenty of bite.

Debussy's “Reflections in the Water” revealed playing of exquisite sensitivity. It was sheer magic.

Chopin’s Andante Spinato was played with subtle nuances and the Grande Polonaise Brilliante had flashing colour and was technically and in imaginative interpretation a tour de' force. It was triumphant playing. This work, however, it not everyone’s favourite of Chopin’s compositions. An announcement that Mr Graffman will give us another recital on Tuesday week, September 9, was greeted with the greatest enthusiasm. —C.F.B.