BRILLIANT ORGAN MUSIC

Evening Star, Issue 20989, 31 December 1931, Page 8

BRILLIANT ORGAN MUSIC

DR GALWAY'S LAST RECITAL FOR YEAR

Dr Galway iast evening completed a year of valuable artistic service to the community in his capacity as City Organist. Discriminating musicians have followed his recitals with tho greatest pleasure, al...iys attending the concerts with tho assurance that their musical education will be developed and improved. That confidence has not been abused. Dr Galway is not a changeable artist whose quality of performance varies. He is consistently sound in his interpretations, investing each iterfi with a distinct individuality and colour. The exploitation of the vast resources of the magnificent instrument in tho Town Hall calls for musiciauly skill that is an attribute of few players. All Dr Galway’s recitals have made it transparently clear that he does possess the qualities necessary to show off the finer points of the organ. He has a smooth, certain technique equal to the most exacting compositions with which organ music abounds, supplemented by a keen intelligence and a sensitive musical imagination. The programme for tho concluding recital of tho year was a highly attractive one, very skilfully and thoughtfully expressed. Apart from tho regular followers of the concerts, there was an unusually large attendance of visitors and others anxious to appraise for themselves the encomiums Dr Galway has gathered. Their regard for the recitalist must have appreciated with each succeeding item. He was in particularly fine form, and gave the audience music that vividly fulfilled the composers’ intentions and ideas. The programme was by no means easy; indeed, it was more difficult than usual iu its demands. But tho difficulties wore surmounted with facility, and tho tone always remained musical. The Handel ‘ Concerto in F Major ’ offered w case i point. It was a powerful interpretation, and arrested immediate attention and respect. In pleasant contrast were the two exquisite choral preludes of Bach, ‘ I Cry to Thee ’ and ‘ Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.’ Dr Galway has played these preludes very beautifully as pianoforte solos before. As organ solos their charm was accentuated. Tho Boellrnann ‘ Suite Gothique ’ received striking treatment, tho contrasts being very effective. The clarity and power of the toccata, wore especially arresting. ‘ Finlandia,’ that grim Sibelius production, was notable for its intensity of feeling. As a representation in music of Finland’s tragic history it was an extremely interesting study. Schubert’s lovely ' Cradle Song ’ (charmingly played) admirably set off tho tremendously exciting ‘ Ride of the Valkyrie,’ always a v»?ry popular selection. Here, again, it was a genuinely thrilling performance. The Rnbenstein 1 Reve Angelique ’ and a Morris Dance by Frederic Wood were other selections that gave much pleasure. The concluding item was the familiar overture to Rossini’s ‘ ’ llliam Tell.’ This was naturally a highly colourful translation.