CHAMBER MUSIC EVENING

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 34, 9 August 1934, Page 4

CHAMBER MUSIC EVENING

I It was this privilege of quite' a largo audience to bo present and to hoar the •debut of the McLean Trio—Messrs. William McLean (violin) and Samuel McLean ('cello)., a.nd Miss Ormi Reid (piano)—iu Nimino's Hall last ovening. The programme consisted of the "Archduke" Trio (Beethoven: Op. 96), tho Grieg-.0 Minor Sonata for violin and piano, and the Grctehaninov Trio (Op. 38). There, could bo no room for doubt regarding Mr. McLean's capacity for leadership, expresed. equally in his ability -to subordinate himself when the music demanded it. Possibly the Bcothovon Trio received a treatment that was a trifle restrained, but, if allowance is made for tho fact that this was the first item, the restraint was amply justified. The Grieg Sonata openpd with commendable vigour and hold tho interest throughout, and the violin tone in tho second movement was of delicious quality and resonance. The last movement imposes a definite tax both on performers and listeners from tho point of view of rhythm, but tho effect is most intriguing, duo •to tho syncopation abounding throughout the movement. The Gretehaimov Trio was certainly the most ambitious item presented, but tho players individually and collectively made light of the technical difficulties and gave an excellently finishod performance. Mr. Samuel McLean produces a very warm tone and displayed a clean technique combined with sound musicianship. Miss Reid is to bo congratulated on her musicianly handling .of tho difficult piano parts she was called upon to play. Her tono was always well balanced and jEree. It is sincerely; to.be hoped that the undoubted success of last evening will oncourago this'trio to continue to work together, thereby giving listeners an: opportunity' to hoar moro of the music that'so admirably suits this combination. :