Talented Playing In Violin And Piano Recital

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30809, 22 July 1965, Page 18

Talented Playing In Violin And Piano Recital

The artists at the Chamber Music Society’s recital in the Civic Theatre last evening were Charmian Gadd, a young violinist from Australia, and Maurice Till. Miss Gadd, who was recently heard here in a recital at Canterbury University and as soloist with the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra in the Mendelssohn concerto, is a talented player who produces clear and Vivid tone with relaxed ease. Her tone is not particularly large, but it is always a thoroughly musical sound, having sparkling brilliance when required, and singing smoothly with enriching nuances in cantabile melodies. Rhythmic life and flexibility are in every phrase she plays and there is clarity over all, showing thorough understanding of every detail. This programme began with Beethoven’s Sonata No. 6 in A major, in which the expans've melodies of the first movement were played with gra-

cious flow of mellow sounds in perfect amity between the violin and the piano. A deeper tenderness came in the second movement, as if recalling old and pleasant memories. The last movement was played with subtle style and interesting skill as it unfolded its varying scenes with balanced poise. There was joy, praise, and laughter in the music given in generous appreciation of all beauteous things. Miss Gadd then played Bach’s Sonata No. 1 in G minor for solo violin, and a memorable and delighting performance it was. too. Right from the beginning it was obvious that this was going to be most satisfying, for with clear, gentle, but quite firm attack upon the spread chords she brought forth thrilling tone that was free from any forced harshness. Gloriously singing tone flowed in the following melodies, creating an atmosphere of profound medi-

tation. This playing completely gripped the audience. The fugue subject was firmly announced, and Miss Gadd's ability to play chords so smoothly again called forth high admiration. There was never a rough sound, nor was any of the complicated partplaying lacking in complete clarity. An excellent tempo was chosen so that, while there was plenty of life, there was also a fitting dignity. Her tone in the Siciliano had an autumnal ripening glow, and the finale came as a cascade of scintillating sounds. Prokofiev’s Sonata in D major No. 2. Op. 94 is a charming work, and its many swiftly changing colours showed the splendid artistic accord between the two artists. It began in pastoral style, singing smoothly of a pleasing countryside. The ending was an exquisite pianissimo. The scherzo in light-hearted fashion and with bubbling merriment created lots of fun. The playing was superbly neat and deft, and the atmosphere was most skilfully created and upheld. The third movement was all too short, for it has an interesting melody of great charm and freshness At the end of the programme Miss Gadd paid pub lie tribute to Mr Till's superb gifts as a pianist and accompanist. She is not the first visiting artist to be surprised and delighted to find here an associate artist of his talents, but it is good that we should be reminded from time to time how valuable he is to music in New Zealand.