’Cello recital

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33874, 20 June 1975, Page 14

’Cello recital

As part of his final examinations for the University Diploma in Music. Mr Roger Brown, ’cellist, gave a recital at the School of Music yesterday afternoon. He was accompanied by Mr John Luxton, who gave full supnort both technically and artistically. Together they provided a most enjoyable afternoon's recital. The recital began with Schumanns Five Pieces in Folk Style, works of varied attractiveness, offering plenty, of different styles of playing and of expression. Both players were fullv aware of them, and played with compelling tones, phrasings. and' choice of dynamic levels. Throughout the set there was always the necessarv prevailing romanticism. It was a noised, confident and musically alive performance, and it was obvious that Mr, Brown was not going to offer his examiners any sticky problems.

The Allegro Moderate from Boccherini’s Sonata in A major had grace, and pleasantly flowing movement. The playing was graceful in its expression and choice of tonal colour. There was complete accord between the two instruments and the interpre-' tation showed disciplined feeling and stylish appreciation. The very interesting Debussv Sonata was the most compelling music, and was played with strong insight. Wide varieties of sounds were produced, and the sometimes strangely confusing emotional elements in the work, were ctearlv stated and inter-, .preted with sympathetic and clear-sighted understanding. Mr Brown has impressive command of the 'cello and plays with confidence entirely free from any suspicion of brashness. This was honest : recital playing — confident. 1 sincere, and convincing. ' —C.F.8. 1 ,