Peter Cooper pleases in pianoforte recital

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32958, 3 July 1972, Page 14

Peter Cooper pleases in pianoforte recital

A Peter Cooper pianoforte recital usually provides elements of unpredictability, and that sponsored by the Dyslexia Association of New Zealand and presented to an appreciative audience in the University Hall on Saturday evening was no exception. In a programme obviously planned to please, Mr Cooper again displayed an impressive and dexterous keyboard technique.

The first half began with a stylish, rhythmically appropriate performance of the Fantasia in C minor by J. S. Bach, and ended with a fine interpretation of Beethoven’s Sonata in F minor, Op. 57, the “Appassionata.” Beet-

hoven considered this sonata his best piece in this form. The noble passion of the first movement with its insistent references to the fate motive of the Fifth Symphony, the tremendous onward sweep of the finale, and the contrasting set of variations of the second movement relieving the outer tensions were brought together in a wellconceived and unified offering.

The second half of the programme was, by contrast, light-weight in content and not so successful in performance, with technical inaccuracies and excessive tempi. In a generous offering of encores, ending with a forceful performance of Chopin’s Polonaise in A flat major, Mr Cooper showed as in all his performances, that the joy of the artist is in having the opportunity to do one’s thing as a living and before an enthusiastic and responsive audience.

A noteworthy aspect of this recital was the realisation that New Zealand is gradually appreciating that a two-way benefit can accrue from such ventures. The artist can provide a saleable product from which he may earn a livelihood while the employer—in this instance, the Dyslexia Association—can by good marketing expect a profitable return. Such practice is common in many overseas countries and must be commended.—W.R.H.