Ruggiero Ricci In Wonderful Recital

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29894, 7 August 1962, Page 17

Ruggiero Ricci In Wonderful Recital

There was a large attendance at the Civic Theatre las; evening for the violin recital by Ruggiero Ricci. He began his programme with Beethoven’s “Kreutzer" Sonata, which he and Miss Janetta McStay interpreted with a warmth, vigour, and clarity of design which held the closest attention. Mr Ricci used massive tone in the many vigorous parts of the first movement, and his playing was direct and forthright. which certainly does not mean that it lacked expressive meaning and poetic appeal. Miss McStay's tonal colouring inclined towards pastel shading where Mr Ricci was using brighter tone. Sometimes it suggested that use of the soft pedal took away from clear-cut line. The lovely variations in the

second movement were played with deft finesse and unanimity of mood. This was poetic playing marked by melting and moving tenderness. The last movement shot away like a rocke; trailing bright sparks. There was exhilarating vitality and scintillating strength in this grand performance. Both instruments blended splendidly, and congratulations must be given to Miss McStay for matching the interpretation of such a forceful personality as Mr Ricci. The second part of the programme began w.th Hindemith’s Sonata for Solo Violin. Opus 31, No. 1. It was a performance of beauty and insight. with wide ranges of volume and tone being thoroughly explored. It opened in challenging and bright fashion. The second movement had the character of :i cantilena, with fine shadings of nuance. The third was a pretty, dancing fancy with will-o’-the-wisp fluUerings and chasings, finally just disappearing completely. Contentment and gracious living baeathed through the next short section, and then muted sounds, as of innumerable humming birds, came in a moto perpetuo ending of great charm. Prodigious technical powers were used in the playing of the sonata, but everything seemed to come with consummate ease

A Suite of Spanish Popular Songs by Manuel de Falla had swirl, warmth, romance, gaiety, and nostalgia. They were most captivatingly and satisfyingly interpreted by both Mr Ricci and Miss McStay. These pieces had a rare grace and loveliness. Mr Ricci played with a seeming perfection; but it says much for Miss McStay's imaginative playing that attention was continually drawn to her work without her ever being unwarrantably obtrusive. This wonderful recital ended with two Stravinsky compositions arranged by Dushin. The “Russian Maiden’s Song” had a plaintive lilt and was played with finely poised control. The “Russian Dance" had all the acrobatic verve to be expected. It was felt, however, that the de Falla songs overshadowed these two works to a very considerable degree. —C.F.B.