Youthful ’Cellist Shows Remarkable Progress

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 151, 29 June 1938, Page 10

Youthful ’Cellist Shows Remarkable Progress

JOAN PATON’S ARTISTIC RECITAL CitUens of Palmerston North have followed with considerable interest and [pride the progress of Miss Joan Patou, [the city’s most promising young 'cellist, and on Monday evening in her recital at the Rosco rooms, she convinced those present she is destined to go a long way in the world of music. Miss Patou had chosen a most ambitious programme but proved herself fully equal to the task, maintaining a magnificent tone throughout, and at times rare delicacy, playing with absolute confidence and overcoming all technical difficulties with ease. She has made great strides since her last public recital, two years ago, which must be gratifying to Mr. Hamilton Dickson, with whom she is studying, and who directed tho programme. Throughout, Miss l’aton had tho splendid support at the piano of Mrs. Esmer Rickard, who has never been heard to better advantage, the piano parts in the Corelli and Mendelssohn sonatas being equally important, Mrs. Rickard's best opportunity coming in the last-named sonata in which she rose to the heights. The programme opened with Corelli's “Sonata in D Minor,’’ typical in form with its four movements, Largo, Allemande, Sarabande and Giga in the style of this famous old italian master. From the first lovely notes of the appealing Largo, Miss Paton carried the audience with her, contributing a real musical treat. Miss Paton's next offering was tho “Concerto in D Minor” (Lalo), a tremendous work and one of the six most notable concertos for the violincello, in which this youthful player achieved a triumph. Free in style and with lovely melodies recurring throughout, it calls for rapid changes of tone and outstanding technique which Miss Paton achieved with oase. Her fine interpretation and rich tone filling the room at times, was received with spontaneous applause. The Mendelssohn “Sonata in B Flat Major” which followed, provided delightful contrast, its lyrical stylo being fully exploited by both 'cellist and pianist. The audience was fully appreciative of the artists’ ’ treatment of the whole sonata. Miss ' Baton’s final group, “Elegie” (Faure), played with the deep appreciation demanded; “Sereuata Napoli tana” (Sgambali), interpreted with joyous abandon; and tho popular “Gavotte” (Popper), further served to show her 1 undoubted musicianship and the mastery she has gained of her chosen instrument. Miss Paton very generously returned to contribute another little gem in “Minuet” (Boccherini). Miss Margaret Feist, the assisting vocalist, very bravely fulfilled her obligations despite tho fact that she had not quite recovered from a severe attach of tonsilitis. The possessor of a melodious mezzo-soprano voice which she uses with artistic effect, combined with most pleasing diction, Miss Feist is always a welcome performer to Pulmerston North audiences. Her first solo was one of Schubert's greatest vocal compositions “To tho Eternal,” a severe test in which Miss Feist rose above her difficulties admirably. On her next appearance she gave a delightful group in pleasant contrast of theme, the fascinating “Soquidilla” from Carmen (Bizet), “Row Buruie Row” and tho whimsical “Tho Child and tho Twilight” (Parry), sung with rare feeling. In response to a recall Miss Feist gave tho appealing “Fairy Pedlar” (Alee Rowley). Mr. Hamilton Dickson made an artistic contribution as accompanist to Miss Feist. At the conclusion of tho programme the artists were showered with flowers and other tokens from a delighted audience. It was typical of Miss Paton that her greatest triumph should be achieve! when making a generous gesture to a follow musician, last night’s recital being to aid the Aluu Loveday fund. Thanks are also due to the C. M. Boss Co. for allowing Miss Paton the free use of their benutiful room and to Cole-, Ltd., for tho loan of a piano.