DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME

Northern Advocate, 31 May 1949, Page 3

DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME

Lovers of good music <vere amply repaid for their attendance at the Whangarei Town Hall last night when the Musica Viva Chamber Players presented a delightful programme. Comprising three works the programme included two which were not very well-known, but, presented by these internationally famous players, they gave the urge for a longer repertoire. The Whangarei Community Arts Service, which arranged the tour is at last having its efforts recognised, there being a much larger audience than had turned out for previous concerts. Opening the programme with Ravel’s String quartet in F. major, the players soon gave evidence of their understanding of this composer. The second movement in particular, with its pizzicato opening and the rather slow centre piece was very well done. In tire third movement the light and shade was brought out with the skill and artistry that only experts can produce. For the second item the Piano Trio in C minor by Brahms had been

chosen. In this the first movement opens up very energetically and later gets into an almost martial air. The slow third movement is simple but also charming. Scope is given for much change of mood in the finale and the climax comes in the time-honoured style. This second number was the only one in which the piano was required, and Maureen Jones gave proof that she is quite at home in this type of work. One wished for an opportunity of hearing her perform as a soloist. Schubert’s String Quartet in G major was the third number—one of the great works of this composer’s later years. In the second movement the storm and lightning effect was brought out superbly. The fourth developed clearly the rythm that had been in the background. As the audience were leaving the hall some were whistling or humming the rythm. After the Brahms quartet (lie players were enthusiastically applauded and made three curtain calls, but even that was not sufficient, and they returned to play the fourth movement again.