UNIVERSITY RECITAL

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29801, 18 April 1962, Page 24

UNIVERSITY RECITAL

Clarinet And Piano Mr John McCaw, the principal clarinettist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, gave a recital with Mr Maurice Till in the University Hall yesterday afternoon. Before he went to England in 1050. Mr McCaw was a member of the National Orchestra. It is pleasant to welcome him back, even for such a short visit, and to hear' his well-remembered artistry once again. Under Mr McCaw’s control, the clarinet becomes a seemingly alive instrument breathing forth a stream of mellow beauty and brightly flashing cascades of sound. At one moment the instrument offers brilliant, large and challenging sounds; then the softest of velvety whispers. Everything is under the most agile and flexible control technically, and is directed by a sensitively responsive musical artistry. The Brahms Sonata in E flat. Opus 120, No. 2 opened in idyllic mood with beautiful and expressive melodies, rising at times to bright climaxes but preserving the idea of pastoral peace. In the allegro appasionato movement there was contrast between spiritual strain and consolatory and embracing melodies. How very beautiful the lower notes of the clarinet are when they are so superbly controlled The last movement began with a shapely theme suggesting autumnal colouring and fruitfulness. From it emerged a set of variations, each opening a new vista of richness and imagination and giving both players opportunities for charming, thoughtful, and colourful playing. Hindemith's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano began with a spacious melody of out-of-doors atmosphere. Intensity built up for a while but the calm wonderment of the opening prevailed. Astringent sounds and agile rhythmic figures built up excitement and high spirits in the second movement, which ended with a deliciously graded falling scale. A gentle melancholy marked the third movement, and the little rondo sparkled and chattered in most amiable fashion. Mr Till played with his unfailing clarity and imaginatively sympathetic response to all his fellow-artist had to give in interpretative detail. Mr McCaw will play two concertos with the John Ritchie String Orchestra in the University Hall this evening. —C.F.B.