A stirring pianist

Press, 12 April 1978, Page 6

A stirring pianist

Bj

C. FOSTER BROWNE

The audience in the Arst Centre yesterday afternoon *as treated by David James o a brilliant piano recital of Schumann and Chopin. Mr ■ames piaved Chopin's Nocturne in C minor and the r antasie in F minor, and nded with Schumann's Camaval.” His playing had brilliance nd strength, when required, rith variety of tonal colourtigs creating new interests 11 the time. Rhythmically Mr James teeps snlendid control, makng each phrase have sripmg lilt, and carrying a ktener”s interest forward in hapely and unhindered aovement. With it al! he as adventurous ’magination nd poetic sensibility The hall lacking its da monmg curtains was seem»g’v over-lively at the eg'nmng, but Mr James

soon got its measure. The Nocturne was played, with pliability of expression j in lovely shadings of melodic i content, and the widely-! ranging expression held I interest and gave rare satis- 1 faction. The Fantasie, a gloriously' inspired work, in awesome atmosphere creating an air ■ of resignation and calm 1 confidence. Melting and lv-1 rical playing gradually! turned to martial 1 magnificence and ended with: fine peroration. Mr James’s rendering of; Schumann’s “Carnaval” gave him deservedly high place. among pianists who have i visited us. Triumphant play-! ing of whincord strength, ! 'eading to victorious jubilation and stirringly exacting' displays of ebullience, I roused the audience to; fever-pitch, and made this! intemretation something amply rewarding.