MOISEIWITSCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 40, 16 August 1937, Page 4

MOISEIWITSCH

SENSATIONAL PLAYING

Moiseiwitsch, the virtuoso of the ' pianoforte, peeds no introduction to New Zealand. He has passed this way , before, first as a young man with an ! already well-established European reputation; he is again in xnese parts' and recently delighted audiences .in | Christchurch, and those who heard him, there and elsewhere through the mcd- ■ ium of the radio. He made his latest public appearance last night at the Town Hall in association with the 2YA 1 Orchestra, the concert being given for i! charitable purposes. The hall was ■ crowded, notwithstanding that the concert was broadcast. The official programme consisted of orchestral numbers and the "Emperor" concerto No. 5 for the pianoforte by Beethoven. Koiseiwitsch being the solo pianist; Mr. Leon de Mauny, conductor. Anybody with a radio set could have i heard this particular work over the i air, but nobody not present at its ren-j dering last night could have expen-, enced the emotional appeal, that per-, sonal galvanism or whatever it is, that, established the relations between Moiseiwitsch and his audience last night. The concert was in two parts, ot solely orchestral numbers for the first1 part and the concerto above referred, to and two extra numbers for the second part. The orchestra acquitted itself with distinction, opening with the; overture to "Euryanthe" (Weber), followed by the lovely Berceuse of Jamefelt (in which the solo passages for violin were exquisitely and sympathetically played by Miss Ava Symons, leader of the orchestra) and "Men of Prometheus" (Beethoven). Then followed the concerto. Moiseiwitsch had a great reception when he took his seat at the pianoforte. A strange man, greying., matured in his art, perfectly at his ease before striking a single note. There was not a trace upon his features of any workings of his mind. "Here's my job," he seemed to say without words, "and I'm going to do it." He did, and that with power. Every detail in the imtjressive allegro, the first movement was brought out clearly and with a strong and certain touch. Heavy physical demands were squarely met as they arose and all without, apparent effort and no suggestion of the sledgehammer. The massive chords were charged with eloquence. The adagio, the second movement, was distinguished by an expressiveness and gentleness that seemed to hold the audience, spellbound, breathless, and still. In the final rondo and allegro, the brilliancy characterising the playing of the first movement was repeated and when the last note was struck the large audience rose, shouted, and lost control of itself in its enthusiasm. The orchestra distinguished itself in this great work and Mr. de Mauny had good reason to be proud of. it. Moiseiwitsch was thrice recalled, yet the audience demanded more. He generously responded with a delicate little work "Rococo" by Palmgren. But it was not enough. The audience was insatiable: it would not leave. Moiseiwitsch returned and then to the surprise and delight of everyone present he began with the "Pilgrim" chorus from "Tannhauser,". or rather Liszt's terribly exacting "Tannhauser" transcription which also deals with the grand march in the opera. The orchestra was captivated as well as the audience for it realised that it- was listening to another orchestra, with strings, harp, v woodwind, brass and even tympani not only suggested but almost reproduced by the pianist. It was a sensational peyformance. Thrilling weakly describes it. The audience was worked up into a frenzy; I Moiseiwitsch did not turn a hair, no smile, frown, or any change was discernible on his impassive features. The Concerto was a great performance, the "Tannhauser" an' Unforgettable one. Arrangements have been completed for Moiseiwitsch to give one farewell concert. in Wellington at the New Opera House on Tuesday night, August 24, before his departure for Europe. This concert will serve as a fitting farewell to the brilliant artist, whose skill, affection, and feeling for music have gi#.n him- a place in the front rank of the world's artists. Moiseiwitsch has endeared himself to the hearts of music-lovers wherever he has appeared, and this farewell should be one of the, outstanding musical events of the year.- A programme of wide interest is being prepared.