PIANOFORTE RECITAL

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 192, 9 May 1924, Page 9

PIANOFORTE RECITAL

FRESH LAURELS FOR GORDON SHORT

The recital [jiven at tho Concert Chamber last evening by Mr. Gordon Short could scarcely bo classified as anything but a brilliant success, for Mr. Short displayed a command over tho magnificent Steinway, a versatility in character, and a vital force which places him in tho virtuoso class. If for nothing, else his playing of the Brahms Sonata in F minor (omitting the third and fourth movements), the Hungarian Rhapsody, and the “Rigoletto” paraphrase, both of Liszt, entitle him to that praise. Many fins .pianists have been heard in tho Rhapsody in Wellington, but Mr. Short’s finely-tempered dramatioism, his fire, velocity, allied to an innate refinement and delicacy, place Mr. Short’s performance of last evening high in the scale. Other evidence of poetic appreciation was his delicate playing of the slow movement of the Sonata, a gem of introspective contemplation. Brahms, tho muchdiscussed and often maligned, must nave been in a lively mood when he wrote the fifth movement of this Sonata,. which sparkles and flames from a variety of facets, each of which was treated with a verve and versatility of tone and touch that were delightful. The programme nlso included the Beethoven “Sonata Pathatique," a gem of purest ray serene. Very fine concert numbers of the bravura order were tho musicianly "Introduction and Tocci ta” of Rhemberger, and the attractive dramatic "Ballade" of Reinecke, new to recital lovers, nnd one which should bo heard more frequently in the future. Chopin was represented by his cool, placid “Study in E,” and his brilliant “Fantasia Impromptu, with its gorgeous streams of Jewelled trills and runs. The encore number wns tho voluptuous “Waltz in A flat," playerl with inimitable lure and tonal beauty. Tho "Rondo and Cappriccio” of Mendelssohn has a charm and ’ndividnahty all its own, all of which Mr. Short induced with his scholarship. “The Fountain" (Sehnmnnn-Debtissy) was a brilliant effort which so fascinated tho audience that its repetition was cnqcrly demandetl. Debussy’s evasive “Reflect-ons in tho Water” nnd the Second Rhapsody concluded the printed programme, but such wns the genuine and well-mer-ited enthusiasm that Mr. Short had to plav again, and he selected the great “Rigoletto” paraphrase, and after that again played with simple serenity the best-known “Berceuse” of Chopin. Such recitals nre few nnd far between in Wellington, nnd the hope is respectfully expressed that Mr. Short may see his way to continue the good work during tho winter, if it be only for its sound educative value.