SELINSKY-AMADIO CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2966, 2 January 1917, Page 7

SELINSKY-AMADIO CONCERT

A NOTABLE COMBINATION Tho concert given in tho Town Hall last niglifc by tho Selinsky-Amadio Company was ouo of quite unusual merit. The music was consistently good, aud it had tho additional merit of being interesting. The company consisted of Mr. Max Selinsky. violinist; Mr. John Amadio, flautist; Miss Elsy Treweek. soprano; and Miss Jessie Masson, pianist. Mr. Selinsky, a Russian by birth and also by tempera-, ment, is undoubtedly among tho smallf group of really great violinists who iiftvo visited this country. His tecliniquo may not he perfect, but it is near enough to perfection .to satisfy completely. Difficulties vanish at the sweep of his bow, as with easy, though earnest assurance bo does thoso wonderful things that none but a musician can appreciate at their full worth. Technique, of course, is tho moans, not the end, Mr. Solinsky nses to express tho art that is within him, and his interpretations . are admirably sympathetic and searching. His tone is full and sweet, and it rises and falls in rich cadences without lalter or apparent effort. His remarkable ability was demonstrated thoroughly in his opening number, tho "Symphonie Espagnole" (Lolo). which makes severe domands upon the musician at overy point. The interpretation ' was a triumph. The violinist's other numbers wero "Praeludium" (Pngnani-Kreisler), "Avo Maria," (Schubert-AValhelmj), "Orientale" (Cesar Cui), and "HejreKati" (Hubay). The flautist, Mr. John Amadio, is a native of Wellington, but as an artist he belongs now to the world. His instrument is soldom played well, dospite a. popular notion that it is easy to manipulate. "When it is in the hands of a master it makes music of rare beauty, and Mr. Amadio is a master indeed. Hβ was heard first in Puganini's "Witches' Dance," which was followed by a Cradle Song (Gibubert) and a Fantasia, "Carnival of Venice" 1 (Briccialdi). The pure tones of the flute, deliciously fresh and flexible, were simply a revolation, and the audience gave.the.musician an ovation. His later numbers included "Bacchanalian Revels".. (Edward German) and a fantasie "Wind in the Trees" (BricciaHi). In response to an enthusiastic second recall lie played tho "Marsellaise" in a way that was positively inspiring. Miss Blsy Treweek is an Australian, and was heard first in Wellington at Choral Society concerts. Her voice is a pure, smooth soprano, with a wide range and an exceedingly attractive tone. Miss Treweek controls her voice with delightful ease and certainty, and her rendering of Bishop's "Lo; Here tho Gentle Lark," with a flute obligate by Mr. Amadio, was a rare treat. The clear, bird-like notes of her upper register, produced without strain or effort, had a quality that was sheer joy to the listener. Miss Jessie Masson is a pianist of marked ability, aaid her contributions to the programme were thoroughly ploasing. Thoy included "Waltz in A Flat" (Chopin), and an. interesting "Nocturne in D Flat" (Scriahine) for tho left-hand alone. ' ', ' . The second concert of the season will be given in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall this evening, when Mr. Selinsky .will play "Concerto 'in D" (Tschai'kowsky). Variations Corelli (Tartini-Kroisler), Sicilfcnne (BachAuor), Caprice Viennois (Kreisler), and "Love's Joy" (Kreisler). Mr. Amadio's chief number will be Capriccioso Italians, Op. 105 (Briccialdi).