Worhs By J. S. Bach

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31783, 13 September 1968, Page 16

Worhs By J. S. Bach

A pleasing recital of works by J. S. Bach was given in the University Hadi yesterday afternoon. It began with John Jennings playing a Prelude in A on the harpsichord, with clearly defined touch and bright rhythmic vitality. There was a charming springtime freshness in this effervescent music.

Jocelyn Staples played two movements, an allemande and a bouree, from a Sonata in A minor for Solo Flute. She produces a smoothly-flowing tone and phrases intelligently. The first work had a filigree texture and bright rhythmic patterns. Hie second had infectious sparkle. Alan Chisholm played a prelude and fugue from the

Fifth Suite for Solo Cello with beautifully-clear tone of rounded and warm quality, keeping excellent discipline in rhythm and phrasing. The recital ended with John Chisholm joining the other three Instrumentalists in a performance of a Trio Sonata in C minor. The introductory movement was in serious and musing mood, and was played with careful sense of balance and with expressive calm. The second movement, lively and graceful, was played with appreciation of its structure, and shedding a sunny radiance. The third movement spoke of gentle melancholy, and had a lot of phrasing in couplets —a device used by Bach in his chorale preludes to denote grief. The finale was strong and of flexible movement, creating gaiety and good cheer. —C. F. B.