DISTINCTIVE PIANIST

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 106, 1 November 1926, Page 5

DISTINCTIVE PIANIST

RECITAL BY MISS MURIEL TURNER

Before Miss Muriel Turner left for England and the Continent to continue her pianoforte studies she had already attracted attention by her enthusiasm for her work and her distinctive talents. Now she returns laden with the fruits of valuable tuition and all the qualities of an artist, and those who heard her recital at the Concert Chamber on Saturday night were agreeably surprised at the splendid progress she had made. All expectations were fulfilled. Miss Turner is a pianist of intelligence and sensibility. Not only are her technical resources ample; she is musical in her instincts, with the power of interpretation. She opened on Saturday night with "Sonata" in G Minor, Op. 22 (Schumann), a work of the happiest melodic inspiration, of remarkable loveliness and charm. The opening presto was beautifully contrasted with the second movement (andantino), and there,was mastery in the scherzo which prepared the way for the big climaj., terminating in a fiery prestissimo. The pianist created a great impression. A bra»ket of Chopin followed. A peaceful atmosphere prevaded the "Nocturne" in E Major, Op. 62, No. 2, which was played with ' poetic delicacy. An "Etude" in A Flat, Op. 25, No. 1, was treated with eloquence and grace, and in the "Ballade" in A Flat, Op. 47, described by Schumann as one of Chopin's most striking and original works, the tragedy was skilfully portrayed. The pianist then turned her attention to the moderns, and her audience was delighted with Ravel's "Jeux d'Eau," and two of Rachmaninoff's Preludes, Op. 23, No. 6, and Op. 32, No. 12. The Russian composer's numbers were played with brilliance. A dainty piece, "Feux Follets," was prettily conceived, and then came a sample of the mighty Lizst, "Ballade" in B Minor, No. 2. This was rendered with power, tone, and colour, and loud applause followed the final note. Two encores were demanded, and, these were graciously given. Miss Turner received many floral tributes before she finally left the stage.