UNIVERSITY CONCERT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30157, 14 June 1963, Page 13

UNIVERSITY CONCERT

Singer, Flautist, And Pianist

Yesterday afternoon's concert in the University Hall began with Roger Buckton and Maurice Till playing Bach’s Sonata in E flat for flute and piano. Mr Buckton played with a fluent command of technique, producing tone of attractively mellow quality capable of giving colourful variety which was used artistically in accordance with the style of the music. The playing was even and under good rhythmic control. The graceful figuration in the first movement and the tenderness of the siciliano set an excellent sense of atmosphere. Helen Hayward’s clear and splendidly controlled soprano voice is always most pleasant to hear. A secure line of vowel production give plenty of opportunity for vocal colour. In Brahm’s “Serenade” good rhythmic movement was sustained, but more differentiation of tonal quality might have been used to" denote the two people in the poem. Mrs Hayward has made a deep study of the songs of Hugo Wolf and sang, with great charm and artistic finesse. “The Sleeping JesusChild.” and gave brightness and wide range of expression to “I Have a Lover in Penna.” to the “Elf’s Song,” and to the "Spring Song." The concert ended with Mr Buckton and Mr Till playing Armstrong Gibbs's Suite in A for flute and piano. The prelude had a soft and pastorale character, and was played with expressive shading and phrasing. The minuet had an air of langour which was quite charming, and the sarabande moved forward with measured grace. The gavotte was stately and the quick dance had a light and merry heart. Mr Till accompanied with his unfailing insight and with his sensitive perception of what his fellow artists need. —C.F.B.