ANDRE SKALSKI.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9572, 25 July 1923, Page 6

ANDRE SKALSKI.

POLISH PIANIST'S FA R EWELL EECITAL. The brief season in Gisborne of Andre Skalski, the talented Polish pianist, came to an end last eveuiiig, when at the second recital, the Opera House contained a very large and very enthusiastic audience. As on the initial appearance of the musician, the recital was listened to with the greatest attention. and Mr Skalski was accorded prolonged applause after each item. . As a. slight token of bis appreciation ■ of the kindness extended to him by the J members of the Gisborne Savage Club, j Mr Skalski invited the club’s orchestra | to assist, and under the conductors!]ip 1 of Mr Mainland Foster, this well-known ! combination contributed two numbers, j "Chanson du Soil-” and Brahms' “Hunj garian Dance Ho. 0.” The bitter was so popular that, in response to contini ued applause, the orchestra played as j an encore Elliott's “Felicitation." Mr Skalski opened his programme } with Tausig's arrangement of Bach's I Toccata and Fugue in I) Minor, re- ; markable for its torrent of round and for its bell-like effects, due largely to | masterly left-hand work. The climax | was a great performance. Two Chopin ; numbers, first, the mighty Fantasia in I F. Minor (on. -10), and then the Scherzo j in B Minor (op. 20) —one of six be- [ queathod to posterity by Chopin—with ' its restless mood and its mixed rhythms j | again showed the versatility of th 1 musician. Three Schumann munbers“Konmnee F. Sharp Major” (on. 28, No 2). “Sealing’' (op. 12. No. 2). am “Dreaming" (from “Childhood’s Scenes on. 15, delightful little gems, were fnl lowed by Moszkowski’s coqftcttisl “Val.se Scherzo." a choice little nlira her, typically Polish, dainty, yet fnl of spirit. The Tausig arrangement <r Seliuliert’s well-known “March Mili taire,’’ was a fitting conclusion to fin first portion of the programme. Tlk martial air was brought out to the full, the number being played with a fire ami a technical perfection that amazed ihe dudiene-e. The inevitable recall was responsible for Chopin’s Nocturne in B Major (on. 32. No. 1). which wars extremely popular.

Liszt’s magnificent '‘Tarantella" opened the second portion of the recital, and tin's number was indeed a popular one. The virile opening increases in speed as the dance progresses, until towards the end those Wonderful hands of the performer raced up and down the keyboard, producing a veritable whirlwind of sound. A bracket of Grieg’s Lyric Pieces, sad and haunting, typical works of the famous Norwegian composer, preceded, a MacLowoll bracket of three pieces, ‘The Eagle/’ "To a Water Lily." and "The Witches Lance." the only time during the season that one heard the work of this talented American com noser.. Each was different: in construction and each equally enjoyable, though perhaps if there was a preference it was for the last piece, the interpretation of its suggestion of frolic being, particularly brilliant. Two present-day Finnish composers were represented in "Night in May" fPr-I-myien), and "False Lento" (Menken to). The former is almost pastorale in its simplicity, with distant chimes sounding now and again. The closing bracket was two Liszt numbers, "The Nightingale" (a I?ussian song bv Alabreff) and: the Polonais in E. Major, which was followed by an ovation. To the delight of all Mr. Skalski contributed as an extra, number Paderewski's beautiful Minuet, the dainty atmosphere being brought out to tbe very fullest extent. Prolonged applause followed, and tlie talented musician played as his farewell number the Polish National Anthem, the inspiriting air standing out as a complete contrast vo the preceding Paderewski number, affording further proof, if any were needed. of Mr. SkaLslci’s great versatility, and ns the last notes' died.' away the theatre again resounded with continuous annla.nse: which did not subside until the talented pianist had repeatedly bowed his acknowledgments.