LUNCH-TIME CONCERT

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30401, 28 March 1964, Page 12

LUNCH-TIME CONCERT

Schubert Series

Begins

Joanne Zagst (violin), Leonard Feldman (’cello), and Maurice Till (piano) played Schubert’s Trio in B flat, Op. 99 at the concert in the University Hall on Thursday afternoon. Their vital playing, rich in tonal ensemble, with heightened awareness of rhythmic shane and expressive delicacies made'this charming music an oasis in the day’s activities. The first movement opened brightly, with occasionally rather more tonal quantity than this hall can stand for perfect clarity. However, the gently-flowing second* subject set the levels to' rights. Beautiful singing tone flowed forth with enveloping charm and the movement had wellburnished gleam in its graceful unfolding.. Leonard Feldman’s golden tone was aptly applied to the opening of the second movement and it was matched skilfully by Joanne Zagst so that the balanced timbres wrought charming patterns. Although in this movement the piano part has much thatis by way of being accompaniment, Maurice Till gave beautifully controlled support and life and feeling to the music, : The phrasing of all three showed unity of design. The scherzo had the freshness of newly-appearing crocuses and its happy sounds were given contrast by. the reflective strains of the trio with well-balanced judgment. The bracing jollity of the beginning of the rondo came in glowing colours and the thoughtful nature of the second part of the exposition was unfolded with clear phrasing and • emotional depth. Other Schubert works to be heai’4 at these concerts in the next few weeks are the String Quartets in G major and C major and the “Trout Quintet.” —C.F.B.