DELECTABLE CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 199, 20 May 1941, Page 10

DELECTABLE CONCERT

British Music Society

Not even a sudden change in the weather such as occurred last night could damp the enthusiasm of patrons und members of the AVellington branch of the British Musie Society, wlm almost filled the social hall of James Smith, Ltd. It was a delectable concert, provided by the gifted musical youth of AVellingtou, who set a commendably high standard. The instrumental section of the programme commanded unusual attention. Miss Jocelyn Walker, the talented young nir.uistc, who appears to improve in technical breadth and understanding with each appearance, projected in her playing of Chopin’s “Gramie Polonaise” (Opus 22) the eager ebullience of youth iu a clear sparkling reading of this notable work. The “Polonaise” was pre ceded by the "Andante Spianoto ” Later Miss Walker played with the same buoyant character Schumann’s "Elf.” the Albeniz "Tango” (arranged by Godowsky), and the pert “Little White Donkey” of Ibcrt. Another delightful surprise was the instrumental trio —Miss Leela Bloy and Jliss Vivien Dixon (violins) and Miss Therle Oswin (pianiste)—who played the melodious “Sonata” of the prolific Boccherini (arranged by Moffat) with grace and firm authority. The slow movement of this sonata is a thing of beauty, to which all three players contributed equally. Later the trio played another “Sonata” of merit by Charles Avison. and. again, were heartily applauded. Miss Dixon, who also figured as a soloist, displayed sweet tone and forward technical facility in "La Capricciosa” (Ries), the difficult “Slavonic Dance in E Minor” (Dvorak), which is loaded with double-stopped and harmonic passages, and the rhythmical “La Vida Breve” of De Falla (arranged by Kreisler).

The soprano vocalist was Mis. Merle Gamble, whose light dear-toned voice was heard in a group of songs by Peter Warlock —“Sleep,” "Jillian of Berry,” “Rest, Sweet Nymphs,” "And AVilt Thou Leave Me Thus'?” ami “Passing By,” which were preceded by a note on the dual character of the composer (who ended his own life). Later .Mrs. Gamble sang a bracket of charming songs sweetly. These were “Slight I Linger Near Thee” (Rosa), “Dewy Violets” (Scarlatti). “Thou Art Like a Lovely Flower,” and “Gretchen at the Spinning AVheel.” Mr. Stanley Oliver was the singer’s accompanist. Jliss Valerie Corliss, the organizer, announced that the string section of the society which had been in abeyance since Dr. Keys resigned tin- leadership (on account of miiiiil'.'irious other duties), was about to snriug into action again uudei the leadership of Mr. 11. If. Tombs, and those interested in string music could not do better than attend, either aa playing' or listening members