Violin and piano

Press, 12 September 1987, Page 6

Violin and piano

Martin Riseley (violin) and Maurice Till (piano), presented by the Arts Centre of Christchurch, at the Centre Gallery, September 11, !.!• p-m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. From young local performers to established overseas artists and back, the pendulum of musical experience presented on stage continues to swing at the Arts Centre lunchtime concerts. The one constant factor has been that of talent, whether it be heard in the seasoned sound of visiting performers or in the youthful skills of a Christchurch violinist such as Martin Risely. Riseley is one of a bountiful crop of violinists studying with Jan Tawroszewvicz at the University of Canterbury School of Music. As a measure of the success of this string tuition, one need look no further than the ranks of the New Zealand Youth Orchestra or the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his concert yesterday lunctime, Martin Riseley remained in Ann control of his material. His playing proved to be both rhythmically assured and technically accomplished. To a spirited accompaniment by MauriWllU, Moeart’s G, K. 301 was

given buoyant and satisfying reading. The melodies were delivered with a confident attack and packaged in neat, zestful phrases. The first and last movements of Beethoven’s Sonata in A, Op. 12 No. 2 confirmed that the ability to generate and sustain a lively allegro momentum is a strength of Riseley’s sound. Of lesser success was his projection of the inner movement Here, with a slow pulse and a generally soft dynamic, his tone began to fray at the edges. Some hesitancy in attack also marked the movement No such problems were encountered in Risely’s impressive delivery of Chausson’s "Poeme.” This challenging work featured a number of exposed solo violin passages, all of which were dispatched with commendable control and precision. Later in the work Riseley was able to offer more than a glimpse of his potential for handling passages of dramatic power. A striking depth of expression brought colour to his delivery of the emotionally intense lines. An easy rapport between pianist and violinist was in evidjhce throughout