THE CHERNIAVSKYS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 230, 23 June 1921, Page 6

THE CHERNIAVSKYS

The famous musicians, Leo, Jan, and Mischel Cherniavsky have attained a position in the musical word preeminent amongst contemporary artists. They are a rare combination, and it is unique for three such great instrumentalists to bo heard on the same platform, as all three are at the head of their respective branches of music. When Leo, the eldest, was six years old, his father commenced to teach him the violin, and so rapid was his progress that six months later he made his first public appearance. His success was instantaneous. His critics were astonished at his knowledge and command of the violin, even at that early age, and were unsparing in their praise of his clear and facile execution, flawless intonation, double-stopping, and harmonics. Even then, as now, his wonderful temperament and magnetic personality gave an attractiveness and individualistic, touch to his playing. Later, Leo went to Vienna, where he devoted another year to hard study. It was during this year in Vienna that Ysaye first heard the young violinist, and so amazed was he > at tho manner in which the child interpreted the Tschaikovsky Concerto that he invited him to play before the students of the Vienna. Conservatoire, whom he had arranged to hear on the following day. Ysaye presented him with his photograph, signed "To my young colleague.” Jan is the pianist, and Is two years younger than Leo, whilst Mischel, tho ’cellist, is a year younger than Jan. The return of these brilliant young artists to New- Zealand' is creating remarkable interest, and their concerts next week should attract large audiences. Tho box plans are at the Bristol.