Splendid performance

Press, 14 November 1977, Page 6

Splendid performance

Bv C. FOSTER BROWNE

The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Peter Zwartz, gave a concert in the James Hay Theatre on Saturday evening to an appreciative audience.

The programme began with Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op. 8 No. 10. played by a string orchestra led by David Shelley. This was marked by mellow quality of tone with careful balance between all instruments and families of the ensemble, and with vital rhythmic cohesiveness. • and polished precision in leads and phrase endings. For music of Handel’s period the string orchestra gives an eminently satisfying sound and is a wonderful medium for expressing the quintessence of eighteenth century grace and elegance.

Mozart’s Sinfonia Con-i certante in E flat, K. 364/ was splendidly played by the l orchestra. with Paulene Smith and Elizabeth Rogers! as the violin and viola soloists. This will be remembered as being indeed a) highlight in all that has, been offered this season.) Both soloists showed I confident, stylish, and artis-'

tic control both technically and in sensitive interpretation, and every moment of their playing was a delight.

Their intonation was unquestioned and their subtly answering nuances showed deep accord and unanimity of mind.

Their playing of that superb last movement seemed like crystallised sunshine. In this, all seemed to be smiles and radiant good humour. The orchestra, led again by David Shelley, | played with good intonation and clarity, keeping the music alive without any suspicion of overpowering the soloists. There were passages of particular delicacy from the woodwind players. I The orchestra, led by | Paulene Smith, gave a com- ! mendable and most enjoy- : able performance of MoI zart’s “Prague” Symphony, K. 504. Very good intonation

and expressive subtlety marked all the playing, and the woodwind section again impressed. Mr Zwartz kept admirable control, as he did (throughout the whole pro- | gramme, giving helpful and 'sensitive as well as unmista-

keable directions in all the minutiae of performance. The spirit of awesome foreboding at the beginning was convincing but not overstated, and when the spirit changed there was a brightness as when the sun shines through the rim of a cloud. The second movement was reflective and optimistic, with depth of feeling created by careful balance and with expression that came from the heart.

Joyous themes, vitally rhythmical and carefully phrased, were played with spirit in the last movement, summing up the whole performance most admirably. To replace a work which could not be played because of copyright difficulties, Frances De Goldi played “Song of the Birds,” by Casals. All cellists owe much to Casals, and Mrs De Goldi repaid her debt with interest in a charmingly delicate performance which had a rare refinement of expression. Her pianissimo tone had life and supple ex- ' pression, and her finely : graded nuances showed complete control and delicacy of approach. It was a lovely comI position, played with 'sensitive finesse.