MUNICIPAL ORGAN RECITAL

Evening Star, Issue 21054, 17 March 1932, Page 2

MUNICIPAL ORGAN RECITAL

FINE PROGRAMME BY DR GALWAY • AND MISS WOOD The collaboration of Dr Galway and Miss Mamie Wood gave the municipal organ recital in the Town Hall last evening unusual interest and value. Miss Wood, an accomplished young pianist of whom little has been heard recently, played the solo pianoforte music in the well-known Liszt 4 Hungarian Fantasia,’ the orchestral accompaniment being provided by Dr Galway at the organ. Miss Wood has decided ability, and obviously exercises intelligence in her playing. With such a skilled organist as Dr Galway the association was bound to bo valuable. The solo music was clearly and finely defined to a vivid orchestral transcription. Dr Galway, according to his happy custom, made his programme exceedingly attractive. It was a judicious blend of lesserknown and familiar works, all played with the care and thought that almost invariably distinguish Ins recitals. The Faulkes 4 Alleluya ’ and the Verdi 4 Prati ’ from Handel’s ‘ Alcina ’ ushered in on an effective note a group of highly interesting studies. _ Dr Galway then turned to the exacting Bach ‘ Passacaglia in C Minor,’ giving a very artistic exposition of its brilliant variations, and the introduction and allegro of the Guilmant ‘ Sonata in I) Minor,’ a powerful interpretation. The same composer was also represented by his charming ‘ Pastorale.’ The Cesar Franck ! 4 Toccata ’ clearly demonstrated 'the technical attainments (if such demonI stration were needed) of the recitalist. I The introduction to the third act of Reinecke’s 4 King Manfred ’ was colourfully interpreted, a fine descrimination in tonal values being shown. The concluding organ item was the overture to 4 The Mastersingers,’ which was deservedly popular. The principal themes of the opera and their masterly association (a. specific example of Wagner’s contrapuntal skill) brought the recital to a brilliant finale. Miss Wood was also heard in two works by Frank Bridge— 4 Sea Idyll and 4 Capriccio.’ This artistic young lady caught the elusive spirit of the 4 Sea Idyll ’ beautifully, and played with a most agreeable fluency and ease.