CHAMBER MUSIC

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 55, 2 September 1927, Page 12

CHAMBER MUSIC

TWO NOTABLE TRIOS

. Two trios were given at tho Concert Chamber last evening by Miss Ava Symons (violin),. Mr. George Ellwood ('cello), and Mr. Gordon Short (pianoforte). The works selected were "Trio in B (Op. 99), of Schubert, and ■'.' Trio in D Minor" (Op 9V of Rachmaninoff, and.the audience that the programme attracted was comparatively large. Appreciation of the works in thomselves, and of the manner in which they were performed-ac-counted-for the strength and spontaneity ot the applause (sometimes quite pardonably, bursting out between movements). The trios, in themselves promised generous fare for one evening, but between them Mr. Ellwood played four solos and after them, when' importunately recalled, two more, and his numbers and extras included such contrasts as Bach's '''Air for tho G btnng" and Popper's "Hungarian Rhapsody," Faure's long and varicoloured "Elegie" and Van Gocn's Scherzo." Mr. Ellwood's solo:efforts were greatly appreciated. •' - The Baehmatthvq'ff.'trio' was; probably to most of-'^hose " present something quite new, and indeed it was offered as performed for the first time in New Zealand. It is a recondito work, and needs to be heard several, perhaps many times, before its striking and original characteristics can bo taken in even by musically trained hearers. By students the work, and its performance by tho talented players last evening, will probably be regarded as a notable event. It was full of surprises, and sharp, unexpected changes.- There was a long and imposing moderate and theme with variations, introductory to eight short movements, detached gems in themselves. The polished work hold the audience spellbound until its sonorous close pianissimo. This Rachmaninoff "modern" work was in striking contrast to the Schubert trio which entrancod rather than awed tho audience, and was perhaps tho more popular work by reason of the richness of its melodic material. The andante, as might be expected, made a profound impression with its ' own peculiar' beauty. The humour of tho scherzo was apparently much enjoyed, and tho stirring rondo, with which tho trio concluded, was followed by demonstrative applause. In both works the performers were in complete accord. Miss Synion's playing was outstanding for the fine tone, facile execution, and matured style. Reference has been made already to Mr. Ellwood's playing, and its enthusiastic acceptance by the audience. Mr. Short's part in the trios was- conspicuous! for his. clear liquid notes, restraint, good taste, and sound judgment; in fine his work was artistic in the fullest and best sense of that overworked word. l'he thanks o* the audience, and of all others having the musical .welfare of tho community at heart, are duo to Miss Syinons and Messrs. Ellwood and Short for their performance of the trios.