CHAMBER MUSIC IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13523, 22 August 1907, Page 3

CHAMBER MUSIC IN AUCKLAND.

FIRST SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT. A df.lighthtl incursion into the realms of chamber music was made at St. Andrew's Hall last evening, when the recently-formed quintette of chamber "music exponents presented the first subscription concert of the season, before a fairly numerous and critical audience. Selections from the pen of Schumann, Haydn,' and Mendelssohn were given at this concert, the opening contribution being the celebrated quintet for piano and strings by the first-mentioned composer. The participants were Mrs. A. W. Mae.indrew (piano), Mr. Colin Muston, L.R.A.M. (first violin), Miss Edith Whitelaw, L.R.A.M. (second violin), Mr. J. Skiw (viola): and Heir Louis Blitz ('cello). This elaborate and beautiful work, which ranks as one of Schumann's noblest efforts in composition, calls for considerable executive facility upon the part of the players, while, naturally enough, considerable prominence is given to the piano part. The entire first movement, the "Allegro Brillante," is actually woven out of but two harmonic motives, and even the figure-work, required to complete and perfect tins form, is most easily developed from these materials. The performance of this movement last evening is worthy of the highest praise, the general symmetry and balance of power throughout being such as could only emanate from players in frequent and conscientious rehearsal, and the warmest of plaudits followed its brilliant termination. The second movement, in. the form of a funeral march, was delivered with requisite 'rhythmical swing and care in developing the expression ideas. The episodal "Agitato" presented some awkward opposing rhythms, • the pianoforte part in particular being a test of a performer's mettle, and it may" be placed on record that the task of the musicians was accomplished with the greatest credit. One would like to say much of the third movementthe "Scherzo," with its emotional trios at intervals—but space will hardly permit. In this, the executive facility of all. the performers was fully tested. The rapid six-eight time, with its octave flights for the piano, make a considerable impression on the hearers. In the final, "Allegro Ma Non Troppo" great breadth of tone was observable, while the strings in their sudden tone transitions were never wanting. Towards the close the climax introduced a skilful combination of the first theme of the opening movement with the first theme, of the last movement, the effect produced by the executants being skilful in the highest degree. On the- termination of this famous work the performers were warmly recalled. The second .programme ' numbe; whs Haydn's quartet for strings only, known its the "Emperor." This work shows surprising spontaneity and richness of invention. Those joyous characteristics which are to an extent inseparable from Haydn's work, were evidenced in the opening ".Allegro," which was crisply given. The rhythms and accentuations were well done, 'while the artists displayed much appreciation of nuance. This was noticeable by the delicacy of string tone in the softer passages. The second movement consisted of a set of four variations on the familiar "God Preserve tire Emperor." After the playing over of the theme, the first variation 'was shared by Miss Whitelaw and Mr. Colin Muston. he latter playing the florid coun-ter-point to the principal" subject. In the second variation, where the theme is assigned to the 'cello, Hen-Blitz', presented the, subject tastefully. The last 4wo variations mainly called for expressive soslenuto playing, . and the tdo&ug cadences were fittingly realised. '""'J'lie Miimetto" movement was most enjoyable",' and the "Presto." finale demanded much,brilliancy of technique for the violins, r'

The third and concluding 1 item of the programme was Mendelssohn's- exquisite trio for piano, violin, and 'cello. The executants in this case were Mrs. Macandrew, Miss Win tela v, and Hen- Blitz, and their combined efforts throughout reached n high-water' mark of excellence. J The second movement. . ''Andante Tranov.illo," was beautifully done, the violin displaying a velvety qualify of tone in the rapid undulating passages. Hi the " Scherzo" and the " Finale" much clearness of execution was demanded and ' obtained, the players having evidently assiduously rehearsed to gain' the effects forthcoming. Taken altogether the first chamber concert proved one of the most edifying musical functions possible to listen to, and, it is to bo hoped that th° society has a prosperous future before it. ~..,;.