ORGAN RECITAL.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1938, 22 December 1913, Page 7

ORGAN RECITAL.

That lovers of music in Wellington thoroughly appreciate the recitals of tho City Organist (Mr. Bernard l'\ Pago) was evident from tho enthusiasm displayed by the audience at the Town Hail on Saturday night. lu spito of tho bad weather, thero was a very fair attendance, though not as largo as tiie previous week, and nothing liko as largo as tho recital merited. One of the features of tho programme was a "Scherzo" by Gigou, a really good example of tho true Scherzo form. It was extremely vivacious, and full of contrasts of rhythm and harmony, but' Mr. Pago proved that he was well able to interpret so light and gay a movement on tho organ. Tho Prelude and Fugue (on the name of Bach) wis another number, which was remarkably well played, and the organist managed to bring out tho depth of feeling and all tho freshness and charm cf this groat work bv Liszt. Tho "Concerto in E Flat" (William Felton), at rlie bead of tho programme, showed that Mr. Page is determined to assist in preventing the best organ music of tho older English composers falling into oblivion.. The work has lour movements. The first, "Maestoso,'' is modelled in the form of an introduction leading to an "Allegro" in line, bold, fugal form. Then follows tlio "Siciiiano," a dance of tho Sicilian peasantry —very graceful, light, and melodious— and finally tho old dance form, "(javotta," of a dignified character. A very quiet and beautiful Intenncr.w (Op. 117) marked tho first timo the name of Brahms has appeared on tho programme of this series. The tenner melancholy in the first section seemed to illustrate one of tho characteristic moods of tlio composer, whilo towards tho closo 0110 of his favourite devices was apparent, tho melody being pWcd in the inner part, shrouded by harmonies above and below. The repetition of Karg-Elert's "Air and Variations" made a strong appeal to tho audience, and, as tho music ceased, loud applnuso burst from the liouso. Tho nir and variations are taken from tho "Harmonious Blacksmith" suite, written by Handel, and published during his residence in London, June, 1720. Tho piece is brimful of delightful pa». sagos. A Finale in B Flat, a magnificent work by Cesar Franek was another pleasing repetition from an earlier recital. It was written just fifty years ago, and is particularly i.H;vn;ting, on account of its firm BeeUiovonliko structure. It was hnndbd ill a masterly manner by the orgairst. A very light number. "Canzone" iGulimant) and "Lied" (Wolste.nholme) ver>> other items on a capital programme.