Niedzielski Excels In Difficult Programme

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31985, 12 May 1969, Page 12

Niedzielski Excels In Difficult Programme

Although there was quite a good audience in the Civic Theatre on Saturday evening, the recital given by the Polish pianist, Niedzielski, was so enjoyable that it is a pity that the theatre was not filled and that there are no other recitals by him this week. He was given a resounding ovation at the end of a taxing programme. For a long time Mr Niedzielski has been recognised as an authoritative exponent of Chopin, and his hearers at this recital could have been in no doubt about his right to that reputation. The programme of Chopin’s works began merrily with the Scherzo in B flat minor. Niedzielski’s unfailing clarity of line and confident choice of tonal colourings in ever-changing nuances were brilliantly shown in this exhilarating work. As is his custom, Niedzielski brought his Gaveau piano with him, and a most interesting instrument it proved to be; under his touch it was, indeed, an instrument of wonderfully sparkling tone, brightly alive in quiet and wispy sounds, and rippling gaily and clearly at cataract force. Never for a moment was there a harsh sound or a muddy sound; melodies came with rich and glowing singing tones rich in expressive variety. The Mazurka in B flat minor was played with life-impar-ting rhythm, and the Ballade in F major told its story of romantic tenderness, chivalry and emotional stress.

The first part of the pro-

gramme ended with a superb performance of the Sonata in B minor, and Niedzielski’s performance of it brought out the structure of the work as well as its deep emotional messages flowing from the heart. Niedzielski’s choices of tempi seem exactly right, and his building towards a climax always holds a listener’s closest attention.

The second part of the programme began with a selection of twelve Preludes from Opus 28, delightfully contrasted in themselves and with subtly variegated treatment in performance.. Though all were old friends, each had something different to say with joy in the telling. Then came the Tarentelle, Op. 43, a seldom-heard work which has an effervescent gaiety of mood and captivating rhythmic swing. It was played with refreshingly clear utterance and with joyaunce of heart.

The programme ended with eight of the Studies, varying in tone from gossamer sounds which seemed to speak of strands of spider web hanging dew-pearled between blades of grass at sunrise, and of the full-throated roar of an angry populace or of the perilous gyrations of a first class trapeze artist. At the end of the programme, in response to enthusiastic demands, Mr Niedzielski gave encores from Debussy and Schubert, and ended with a charming little Spanish piece.

This was a concert to be remembered as a~inodel of style. - ' —C.F.B.