Theatre Full For First “Proms” Concert

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30038, 24 January 1963, Page 16

Theatre Full For First “Proms” Concert

Having Mr James Robertson as guest conductor of the National Orchestra, at the first “Proms” concert in the Civic Theatre last evening, revived many pleasing memories.

The programme began in an appropriately cheerful mood with the Alla Marcia from the Karelia Suite by Sibelius, and neat and cohesive playing was heard. Well-balanced tonal effects with delicate changes of timbre marked an artistic and dramatic performance of the same composer’s tone poem “Tapiola.”

Schubert’s Symphony No. 4 in C minor ended the first part of the programme. The opening adagio, played with restrained dignity, created an arresting atmosphere; and the following allegro vivace bad a charming gaiety. The second movement was played with full realisation of its romantic feeling and grace. The last movement had drive and compelling vigour. Mir Eric Harrison, an English pianist now living in Melbourne, was the soloist with the orchestra in Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini. Mr Harrison played with flexibility, clarity, and strength of tone. The orchestra entered with him into the 'spirit of the work and played with exuberant vitality. Sometimes the soloist was obscured by the weight of orchestral tone and, near the beginning there was the occasional sliKht lack of cohesion. But the performance was richly coloured, poetic in its lyrical parts, and exciting overall. It was received with enthusiastic acclamation by the audience which completely filled the theatre.

The programme ended with Richard Strauss’ “Rcsenka valier” Suite. Mr Robertson gave useful and clear explanation of the way in which the music of the suite has been adapted from the various parts of the opera. The playing was most enjoyable in its expressive and excellently controlled colourings, and it ail came off with splendid eclat.

In the absence of Mr Vincent Aspey, Mr Eric Lawson led the orchestra with confidence and artistry.

The “Proms” concerts will continue each evening throughout this week.