Pascal Roge dynamic

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33791, 13 March 1975, Page 18

Pascal Roge dynamic

Pascal Roge gave an excitingly dynamic pianoforte recital in the Town Hall last evening. The hall should have been packed, for it was a popular and very beautiful programme, played with exquisite taste and formidable technical prowess. Its like is rarely heard here. Mr Roge was a pupil of the late Julius Katchen, whose many friends deeply mourn his early death, both for what he still had to give and for what he was. Last evening’s performance was a moving one, for Mr Roge is a worthy successor to Katchen and also has so much to give in his own right.

The first part of the programme had the two Rhapsodies, Op. 79, by Brahms and his Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel. These, and the three Intermezzi, Op. 117, would be familiar to many through Katchen’s incomparable playing of them. These works came vividly to life in Mr Roge’s interpretations, wonderfully inspired with poetic feeling and understanding, and so strong in technical power that forbade the bristling difficulties to offer any bother. Throughout the Rhapsodies and the Handel variations, Mr Roge showed a complete and detailed preparation of all' appropriate levels of tone.

Every nuance contributed exactly to what was determined from the beginning. Yet there was no suggestion of expression by routine. There were always the most cogent reasons for everything that happened. In the Variations, there were passages of such brilliant playing that a listener’s head would reel trying to keep up with the overwhelming flood of strength and brilliance. Yet here, again, there were no fireworks for the sake of fireworks. And what superb control there was over every contributing aspect of the interpretation.

The Intermezzi were rare gems, shining with poetic insight and presented with such tender and beautifully shared touch and tone. There was the loveliest bloom on every sound.

The programme ended with Liszt’s “La Vallee d’Obermann,” a piece of descriptive writing that was most attractive. If, after the Brahms, there was something in the music not completely convincing, it was no fault of the pianist. There was the widest range of colour from autumnal timings to clear and blazing brilliance.

Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 in D flat was shaken out of its well-being with a mighty, rushing wind. Mr Roge took it to the cleaners, so that the old familiar scene will never be the same again. One is not convinced that it deserved such treatment—but it was fun while it lasted. —C.F.B. Athletics. — Judith Lamb won the senior championship at the Chrlstchuich Girls’ High School i athletic sports and set a record of 12.8 sec in the 80m hurdles. K. Sadler was the intermediate champion. Michele Stanton the junior champion, and Deidre Snow the under 14 champion. N. Messervy set a new record of 13.1se<- in the under 14 girls’ 70m hurdles. Soccer. — The Spanish roccer league champion, Barcelona, became the first club to reach the semi-finals of the European Cup when it beat Aatvidaberg, of [Sweden, 3-0 in the second leg I quarter-final match in Barcelona.