CHAMBER MUSIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20870, 12 May 1931, Page 7

CHAMBER MUSIC.

OPENING OF SEASON. A very successful concert was presented by (he Auckland Chamber Music Society for the opening of its season in the Lewis Eady Hall last evening. There was a fair attendance and the audience expressed ready approval of the three items submitted on the programme. Two quartettes were played by Miss J. Allen, first violin; Miss L. Walls, second violin; Miss A. - Stevenson, viola; and Miss L. Hemus, violincello. The concluding number was Brahms' Piano Quintette in F Minor, Opus 34, which was presented by the quartette with the assistance of Miss D. Judson at the piano. The opening number, Schubert's Quartette, No. 1, Opus 29, was not as impressive as the two succeeding items. In the first movement the 'cello was inclined to be too prominent and more use could have been made of its capacities for light and shade. -The other instruments were also not at their best and there was a tendency to incoherence which persisted with varying intensity throughout the quartette.

Tlie next number, J3orodine's Quartette, No. 2, in D Major, showed a decided improvement and was a most enjoyable piece of chamber music. The opening of the allegro first movement was crisp and sparkling and this quality was characteristic of the remainder of the movement. The scherzo movement was also well played, its richness of harmony and precise rhythm being brought out in a very pleasing manner. The nocturne was very line, but a tendency to over-emphasise certain phrases could, have been corrected to advantage. The final andante was excellent and showed the result of careful study of the work. Lis wealth of melody was given fine expression and the conceited work was very good. Credit, is due to the society for present ing Brahms' Piano Quintette,, which has not been .publicly presented in Auckland before. This was a delightful piece of music and the enthusiasm of its reception was an accurate gauge of the merit of its presentation. Krom the opening bars oT the first allegro movement, a fine quality of execution was set and maintained throughout ilie work. There was a statoliness and grace about this movement which was very appealing and the piano parts were notable for their clarity and crystal-liko tone. Perhaps tho most attractive movement was tho second, the andante, which was very melodious. While clue attention was given to bringing out the melody, this was not laboured to the extent of obscuring the lightness and charm of. .tho. orchestration and the result was thoroughly enjoyable.