DAWN ASSHETON AND LASZLO SCHWARTZ

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6613, 18 May 1928, Page 6

DAWN ASSHETON AND LASZLO SCHWARTZ

DELIGHTFUL RECITAL AT OPERA HOUSE. It is a very long time since a musical treat of the typo presented by the Dawn Asshoton-Laszlo Schwartz combination has been heard in New Zealand, and the considerable audience at the Opera House last evening was thrilled and delighted by the offerings of two consummate artists. Dawn Asshoton, the possessor of a voice of rare beauty and an unerring dramatic sense, adds the further charm of an unforgettable stage presence, and her musical “world tour” was something entirely original and altogether entrancing. Laszlo Schwartz combines with a distinguished critical faculty an intimate knowledge of the secret beauties of flic violin and his interpretations of classic and folk music were not merely an aesthetic feast but of great value educationally. The opening item of the programme was the famous Aria from Traviata (Verdi). The rendering was perfect. It was a true test of sheer artistry and Miss Asshoton came out on top. Mr Laszlo Schwartz then presented three numbers, the first two composed by himself, “Rhapsodic Impromptu” played unaccompanied which was created through a discussion on the war; “Caprice” a typical piece of light music admirably expressed, and lastly a traditional Hebrew lament “Eili Bill.” In all he showed a fine mastery of his instrument. A group of three songs next followed where Miss Asshcton appeared in Burmese costume. The first was “Ghanza Drums” an East Indian composition by Lily Strickland. The second a Persian song by the same author “Djoulas Song” and the third (which brought the house down) a dainty Burmese song “Ma Lay Lay.” The encore which was immediately forthcoming was well-known to all present, New Zealand’s folk song “Waiata Pol.” All four items were brilliantly executed and in each Miss Assheton succeeded in portraying the varying characters of the East. In her next group Miss Assheton appeared in Spanish costume and mantilla. The songs wore “Fickle Lover,” “My Toreador” and “La Clavcl,” an invitation to dance. An insistent request for more brought forth a charming little love song “Who’ll Buy My Violets.”

Mr. Schwartz followed with three violin solos representing folk music of the Magyar, “So they Say,” “Love Song” and “Hungarian Phantasy,” so strikingly rendered as to ensure a request for move. Dawn Assheton's final appearance in costume was in a Hungarian and Slavonic group where she sang three beautiful numbers “My Mate,” “Liliomszal” and “Oj Dana” (a Polish folksong). This time the audience were not satisfied with one return and Miss Assheton responded with the

quaint “Three Little Chestnuts” and a Eussian song “The Cuckoo.” The final bracket consisted of “Children, Children,” “Santry Fair” and “Caller Hornn,” all admirably sung. The evening finished with a beautiful rendering of Maschoroni’s “Avc Maria” sung by Miss Assheton with violin obligato by Mr. Schwartz. Mr. Erie Bell ably tilled the position of accompanist.