ANOTHER TRIUMPH

Evening Star, Issue 19994, 11 October 1928, Page 10

ANOTHER TRIUMPH

CHERKASSKY'S SECCHC RECITAL aimra Cherkassky is a virtuoso. Further evidence of his complete mastery of the piano was given Vat lus scconu recital in His. Majesty’s Theatre last night. when he astounded the highly appreciative audience by Jus brilliant interpretations 01 the , worms ot the great composers. When Cherkassky’s lingers glide over the keyboard to produce rippling notes and deep chords, ids identity is effaced.- Ho seems to sink himself in tho spirit of the composer. and glorious music comes forth. Besides his amazing gift ot interpretation, Cherkassky lias wonderful technique. He plays the greatest of pianoforte compositions with the case and skill of tho loading virtuosi. Cherkassky is only seventeen years ol age, vet tiio heaviest compositions are well within his compass. Jn years to come Cherkassky will be known in every musical homo in the world, and Mr It. J. Cravestock deserves the highest compliments for bringing so marvellous a pianist to Dunedin. From the opening bars of the National Anthem, played with striking effect, last night's audience realised that the youth before them possessed unlimited power and artistry, and Jus execution of Bach s * Chromatic bantnsy and Fugue’ completely Justified the opinion formed. In this heavy composition Cherkassky delighted with his remarkable interpretative powers. His was masterly playing, (ho shading being strikingly colourlul. Ho followed with Beethoven’s ‘ Sonata in C Sharp Minor,’ universally known as the ‘ Moonlight Sonata.’ The audience was thrilled. Cherkassky evidently favourtins beautiful composition, with its charming nuances and glorious passages. The execution was a triumph for Cherkassky. His artistry was superb, and in every note was a tremendous [inwor of feeling. ’flic rhythm ol tho adagio flowed with freedom, while the melody of the allegretto was produced with a sparkle that made this passage onmtaiuling. In tho presto agitato Cherkassky was tremendous, the spectacular rapidity of Ins playing not being marred by a faulty note. "'The ovation given Cherkassky as he rose from the piano was fully deserved. Four Chopin numbers followed. ‘ Iho Ballade in A Flat Major ’ was given with every refinement. The ability ol the youthfill pianist was tested, as in this 'well-known composition there are contrasts of many shades. His performance was indefectible, and stamped the young artist one ot the elect. The sweetness and charm of the melody of the ‘ Nocturne in D Flat Major’ were gracefully brought out by Cherkassky, and tho‘’Mazurka m F Sharp Minor ’ was marked with wonderful animat’on and vivacity. ‘ Polonaise in A Flat Major ’ has been played many times on the concert platform, but no pianist could excel Cherkassky in his interpretation of this colossal composition, calling, at it does, for strength of playing and artistry of exceptional standard. His black key work was a study a’one. Tho martial strains of tlie Polonaise boomed out, but in his easy efforts lor effect Cherkassky’s volume never permitted loss of musical value. A charming little number was 1 L’Orient and ‘ L’Oceident,’ in which M. Dvorsky lias blended the blast and the West with beautiful effect. An essentially modern, yet telling, piece was ‘ flush Hour in Hongkong,’ and fascinating rhj thru was brought out with vivacity by the pianist. TJic lesser known ‘Hungarian Rhapsody, No. P-V by Liszt, concluded tho programme proper, and tho iaet that this exceptionally dilficult composition, was placed at the end of a lung programme was .sufficient evidence uj tho musical capacity ot ibis lad. Tho Rhapsody calls for every ounce ot playing. and Cherkassky’s performance was astounding. Tho fiery abandon and intense passion with which lie invested tho rhapsody after one and a-halt hour s playing were marvellous. But tho audience would not- let Cherkassky leave tho platform, and he willingy obliged with live charming and delightfully light compositions, each and all played with the consummate artistry which lias marked every number given in bis two recitals. One of these was Mendelssohn’s ‘Spring Song.’ FINAL CONCERT TO-NIGHT. Tho third and final concert ol tnmra Cherkassky’s season will ho given at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night, when a remarkable programme will be given. Commencing with the. Bach-1 ausig ‘ Toccata and Fugue,’ he will follow with Schumann's great work * Caniaval,’ then the immortal ‘Sonata in B Flat Minor’ by Chopin, which includes the famous ‘ Funeial March.’ Miscellaneous works include ‘Tango f.\l-bcniz-Godowsky), ‘Moment -Musical’ (Schubert-Godowsh-y), ‘Minuet’ (Paderewski), ‘Zouave's Drill’ tManaZueca), * Naila waltz (Dobnanyi), and, by mpiest, the ‘ Blue Danube ’ waltz and tho Chopin ‘ b’.iude, Op. 20, L'o. ]2.'