Civic Orchestra’s concert

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33060, 30 October 1972, Page 14

Civic Orchestra’s concert

The Christchurch Civic Orchestra, led by Louis Yffer, gave a concert in the James Hay Theatre on Saturday evening, an important concert for the orchestra and for Christchurch in that it was directed by the newly appointed conductor, Vanco Cavdarski. Mr Cavdarski, who comes from Macedonia, will take up his full duties early next year. It was clear that Mr Cavdarski has much to give the orchestra, for his style in conducting is concise and secure, with every gesture meaningful and direct. He knows what he wants, and gets it.

The playing of the string orchestra in Mozart’s Divertimento in D minor was strongly rhythmical, precise, and artistically blended, with close attention to the phrasing and expressive requirements of the music. Nor did it appear that these qualities were something imposed from without, but grew and blossomed from within. The same must be said of the playing of Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major (the “Linz”). The whole performance was stylish and shapely, with tonal values carefully and most effectively contrasted, and with climaxes carefully prepared and brought off in well-rounded fashion. The introduction was impressively played with dignity and poise; and the allegro which followed had a happily singing nature and was eminently satisfying, conveying its mood with freedom. The slow movement was beautifully interpreted, with dignity, gentle contrasts in tones, and lovely phrasing. The last movement was a scintillating outpouring of happiness. The last work was Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B fiat, which began happily with its charming melodies enriched by subtle use of nuances and choice of colours. The texture had a fetching transparency and the performance moved on sure of where it was going and happy to be doing so. Contrast between strings and woodwind was always charming. Particularly was this so in the elegant and deeply felt slow movement, in which there was a lovely mellowness. It is a completely captivating movement and was most sensitively played.

The third movement was played with boisterious gaiety shining through, giving flashes of bright light and then dappled shadow effects. The trio section has soothing calm. The finale began with light-hearted good fellowship, singing animatedly of spring sunshine in the Vienna woods. —C.F.B.