Ovation For Czech Conductor

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30804, 16 July 1965, Page 12

Ovation For Czech Conductor

Mr Vaclav Smetacek, the conductor of the Prague i symphony, was the guest [conductor of the N.Z.B.C. Sym- [ phony Orchestra at its concert I in the Civic Theatre last evenling and will conduct again on | Saturday. ! It was easy to see how he has built for himself a distinguished reputation in Europe, for his direction of the; orchestra is thoroughly dis-! ciplined in technical matters, yet does not place the music | in fetters, and his interpreta-, tions are clear, direct, and) convincingly authoritative. He drew from the players unanimous response in rhythmic shaping, in balance, and in expression, and did so with sparing but thoroughly cleatgestures. He invoked intriguing tonal colourings and kept, authenticity of style in classical, lyric, and romantic music. There was good precision in attack and the players seemed to be enjoying his I leadership. The programme began with Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony, went on with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor with Miss Charmian Gadd as soloist, and ended with Rim-sky-Korsakov’s “Sheherezade” suite. The ovation at the end of the concert Showed that the j audience enjoyed what was I given and how it was given. However, this programme is little more than a superior; “proms” choice. As we have; the orchestra in Christchurch only for comparatively few, concerts throughout the year, I it can be suggested that one “proms” season per annum [ ought to be enough and that a [ wider and more adventurous | choice of music could be made | for the other concerts. Be that as it may, thel

Haydn Symphony was played with clear beauty of line, gracefully turned phrasing excellent tone and a lively vigour. There was happy flight in the first movement, a graceful and tranquil atmosphere in the second, confidence and good cheer in the minuet, and a merry winding of the way in the finale. It can be said that this clock recorded only sunny hours. | Miss Charmian Gadd gave a [performance of the Mendels[sohn Concerto which clearly ; charmed her audience and earned the prolonged applause given her by the audience and by the members of the orchestra. While there was nothing new in this reading of the concerto there was thorough competence in technique, lovely singing tone which always gave musical satisfaction, and a charming lyric spirit which made deep appeal. The orchestra responded with excellent baliance to all that Miss Gadd gave so freely, and matched her flexible freedom of approach to the music. The Sheherezade Suite was interpreted with terrific eclat in its noisier parts and with colourful delicacy in ail the [others. The work gives many opportunities for graceful solo playing and all soloists I played with skill and appreciation of what was required.! Mr 1 Smetacek knew exactly; what he wanted and certainly ' got it in this stirringly excel-! lent performance. The orchestration of the work is exciting and intriguing and its colour alone makes wide appeal even if the thematic material can be said to be [slight for such a long work. —C.F.B.