SOIREE MUSICALE

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 167, 11 April 1932, Page 4

SOIREE MUSICALE

M. Paul Vinogradoff Entertained A soiree musicale of unusual interest was held on Saturday evening at the residence of Major-General Merlin and Madam Merlin in Oriental Bay. In Petrograd, many years ago, at a private recital given by the Grand Duke, Major-General Merlin heard M. Paul Vinogradoff, the brilliant pianist, play for the first time, and on .Saturday evening M. Vinogradoff gave the same programme as on that memorable occasion. He thrilled the many friends present by his exquisite touch and masterful execution. The house was ablaze with masses of glowing flowers, sweet william, Iceland poppies and chrysanthemums. The main room was artistically transformed into a salon, with chairs arranged in a semicircle facing the grand piano. A pinkshaded standard lamp by the piano sent a soft light over the darkened room. Songs were sung in addition to the playing of M. Vinogradoff. . . Supper was served in the diningroom. The polished table had a bowl of mixed autumn flowers in the centre, while many quaint dishes were set on hand-made linen mats. Major-General and Madam Merlin received their guests in the hall. Madam Merlin was wearing a smartly-cut frock of black marocain with diagonal cut flared skirt, and short little coat with pleated revers and cuffs. M. Vinogradoff included in his programme the following: Rondo Capricioso (Mendelssohn), Three Preludes (P. Vinogradoff), Nocturne in F Sharp Major (Chopin), Campanella (Liszt), Melody (Rachmaninoff), Valse in F Minor (Chopin), Valse in C Sharp Minor (Cbopin-Vinogradoff), Rigoletto (Verdi-Liszt), Poems and Two Studies (Scriabin), Fantasie-Impromptu (Chopin), March Militaire (Schubert-Tau-Si Jladam Merlin sang “Blue Eyes,” by Denza; “Little Calf,” by Gretchaninov; "Maiden’s Wish,” by Chopin; “Long, Long Ago,” by Bailey. Mrs. Bernard Wood and Miss Malfroy also sang. Among the guests were Sir Henry and Lady Buckleton, Sir Charles and Lady Statham, Rt. Hon. and Mrs. J. G. Coates, Mrs. P. Nathan, Mr. and Mrs. A. de B. Brandon, Mr. and Mrs. Morton Paterson, Miss Downie Stewart, Mrs. and Miss Corliss, Colonel and Mrs. Falla, Signor and Signora Formichella, Mr. and’Mrs. B. B. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Yaldwyn, Mr. and Mrs. Paish, Mr. and Mrs. G. McNamara, Mr. and Mrs. Cable.