MUSIC FOR ’CELLO

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30483, 3 July 1964, Page 12

MUSIC FOR ’CELLO

University Hall Concert

A programme of music for the ’cello in the University Hall yesterday afternoon began with Mr Russel Davis playing a Sonata in A major by Boccherini. Mr Davis, who has good command of tone of vibrant and warm quality, played the langorous and meditative adagio movements with sweeping phrasing and expressive control. He can play pianissimo and retain tonal life and clarity. The allegro movement was rhythmical, with the phrasing clearly pointed, and again the playing showed intelligent use of expression skilfully applied. Such strong, clear, and direct playing is a pleasure to hear. Mr Brian Sandle played three Fantasy Pieces by Schumann, with beautifully flowing legato tone richly varied in expression in the first movement. This was tonal quality which held the interest all the way by real beauty of sound. The playing was shapely with wellrounded finish to the phrases. The second movement soared along most pleasingly in light-hearted fashion, and the energetic playing in the third had robust vigour as well as warmly lyrical playing by way of contrast. Mr Leonard Feldman, Mr Davis, and Mr Sandle, with Mr Maurice Till, who had played the accompaniments for the preceding works, then played “Requiem” by Popper. The precision was excellent and the passing of thematic material from one instrument to another was accomplished with finesse and delicate matching of tone. Very beautiful blending of sounds, especially in the remarkably soft playing was a continual joy throughout this excellent composition. This recital showed the splendid results that can be expected of the University of Canterbury’s practical training scheme in music and the outstanding achievement by Mr Leonard Feldman in guiding these two gifted students. —C.F.B.