Large Audience For Page Group

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29900, 14 August 1962, Page 17

Large Audience For Page Group

The Page Group—Jaimes Robertson and Margaret Nielsen, pianists, Ruth Pearl, violinist, and Rosemary Rogatzy, soprano—performed at last evening’s recital arranged by the Chamber Music Society. There was a large audience in the Civic Theatre.

The programme began with Miss Peanl and Miss Nielsen playing Schubert’s Duo for Violin and Piano in A major. The first movement began with mellow sounds graciously flowing from both instruments, delicately balanced and proceeding with poetic insight expressively. There was serene happiness in the second movement. This was poised playing full of rhythmic liveliness. A peaceful air of meditation pervaded tihe andantino. Dramatic sweeps and lyrical grace alternated in th? gay rondo.

Miss Rosemary Rogatzy, accompanied by Miss Nielsen, sang five songs by Schubert. She has a voice of sympathetic quality, warm and capable of dramatic intensity, and controlled with' strong regard for legato line. The performances were stylish and imbued witL deep feeling; the contrasting atmospheres of the songs were securely created, and both singer and pianist held the audience’s close attention. Miss Nielsen and Mr Robertson pleyed Ravel’s “Mother Goose” Suite Such artistic duet playing was a delight to hear. There was perfect unanimity in balance, in tonal colourings, and in phrasing in this playing of a very charming work. It was imaginative, restrained, and really beautiful in its pastel shading. Three songs by Alban Berg and four by Pfitzner showed Rosemary Rogatzy’s versatility and artistry. She has splendid command of tonal colouring with particularly beautiful quality in the lower part of her voice. The first of the Berg songs, ‘‘Dem Schmerz sein Rech',” had a heart-rending sadness. The second “Im Zimmer” had a widely-ranging vocal line and, although short, had strong impact. "Die Nachtigall” was sung with telling intensity. Pfitzner's “Nacht” is a terrific song of quite shattering beauty “Untreu.” also most appealing, had wide range of emotional intensity. It would be hard to imagine more deeply-felt singing than was heard in ‘lch und du ” It was very moving indeed. “Gretel” ended these charming, thrilling, and lovely songs with great gaiety and vivacity. It is greatly to be hoped that Rosemary Rogatzy will give us a lieder recital in Christchurch, for her singing has

a rare charm. Mr Robertson was a grand accompanist. Every phrase conveys its meaning fully and unmistake - ably under his sensitively varied touch. Miss Pearl and Mr Robertson ended the recital with Prokofiev’s Sonata in F minor for Violin and Piano, and this also was a tour de force. The first movement is memorable for the delicate tracery in the violin part, played with exquisite poise, against a chorale type of melody from the piano. The second movement had martial spirit with relieving moments of reflection; but stress prevailed. It was stirringly rhythmical. The third movement had rare delicacy. The playing of both performers had extraordinary vitality and it was interesting to notice how. with the levels of volume between them often being wide apart, there was never any overshadowing or loss of balance It was very arresting playing, and the whole concert was highly enjoyable. If house lights are lowered there should be adequate lighting on the stage. To have the performers’ faces in shadow throughout a whole performance is most annoying. —C.F.B.