Rapport between singer and player at recital

Press, 11 June 1977, Page 22

Rapport between singer and player at recital

By

C. FOSTER BROWNE

John Luxton, the pianist to the University, and John Harker, baritone, gave a performance of Schumann’s “Dichterhebe" cycle in the St Albans .Methodist Church St Alban.-. Methodist Church. Both brought technical security and style in addition to the essential sensitivity to Heine's poetry. The ever-present danger is the possibility of over-senti-mentaiislng both in the singing and in the piano part. This was avoided and faithful performance both in letter and n spirit was achieved. There was rapport between singer and accompanist and special credit for. this must 20 to John Luxton' whose task was all the more.

difficult because of the tonal deficiencies and action ir-l regularity of the piano. It is! Ito be hoped that a building, ■ so well suited to musical performances, will soon be ; given a worthy piano. Mr Harker has a voice of promising clarity and timbre. At present he sometimes loses clarity and qua!-: 'tty when dropping to pianis-' simo level, but experience may remedy this. He phrases intelligently and shows insight for the! subtleties of each song, and, h ~ words are clear. The finer; points of performance were frequently dimmed by the noise of passing buses and lorries, but the large audience was well rewarded for .attendance.