BALLING-BARNETT CONCERTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1250, 13 February 1896, Page 31

BALLING-BARNETT CONCERTS.

The concert given in Thomas’ Hall lo.st week by Herr Michael Balling (viola-alta) and Mr Maughan Barnett was altogether delightful. It was in short an artistic treat of the highest excellence. And we were glad to note that Wellington did credit to itself, and fittingly acknowledged the merit of the artists by filling the hall. The programme was a very choice one, not a single trivial or common-place item figuring upon it, and the various morceaux received an interpretation which was simply faultless. It ia hardly an extravagance of expression to say that tor the two hours covered by the concert the audience were transported out of themselves, and realised how exquisite ia the pleasure furnished by high-class music when executed with adequate talent. The initial number was a sonata for the viola-alta and piano, composed for and dedicated to Herr] Balling! by Boris Scheel, a Russian composer of high repute, whom Herr Balling met in St. Petersburg some years ago. It is an exceedingly fine composition, revealing great force of expression and originality of treatment. Its movements are a moderato and allegro con moto, presto, molto moderato and allegro. Herr Balling’s method reminds one strongly of Herr Wilhelmj—the same repose of manner, the some breadth of style, and firm, confident and resolute bo.ving, and the like absorption of mien and full, rich and suave intonation. The viola-alta is really a modification of the viola, and in range is an octave higher than the ’cello, with a very sweet quality of tone. Herr Balling, it is needless to say, is complete master of his instrument and of his music also, for all hi? playing last night was done entirely from memory. The sonata was given with really beautiful effect, the tones of the piano and viola-alta chording perfectly. The molto moderato movement prevailed with plaintive sweetness, and tho bright and animated allegro elicited prolonged applause. Mr Maughan Barnett did full justice to his reputation as a brilliant pianist by the grace and delicacy with which, he performed one of Chopin’s nocturnes, and. tho facility with which he executed the* Paganini-Liszt selection “ La Campanella,” while his quality as an original composer was attested by his own “ Impromptu ” and “ Remembrance” and also by that dainty little pieoo “Humoresque,” with which ho responded to an imperative encore. Next followed a viola - alta solo by Herr Balling, which we, hope to hear again from the virtuoso before he leaves these shores. Once heard it is not to bo lightly forgotten. It was a suite by Ritter (the inventor of the viola-alta), comprising a barcarole, elogio and tarantelle, and it was magnificently played, the undulating rhythm and gracious spirit of the barcarole, the mournful pathos of the elegio, in which there was a masterly display of double-stopping, and the exuberant gaiety of the tarantelle all being brought out into striking relief. The musician was enthusiastically encored, and yielded to tho demonstration by piaying Liszt’s “ Romance Gubliee ” (“ Forgotten Romance”). Tho concluding number on tho programme was » sdaata by Kubiaistei4 fpr jnauo tioj*

alta, the movements being moderato appassionata, adagio, moderato con moto and finale. It was a fitting conclusion to a memmorable concert. The performance of both pianist and violinist was most admirable, and the rich and versatile charms of the composition powerfully impressed the audience.

The last of the Barnett-Balling concerts was given on Friday afternoon in Thomas’ Hall to a very appreciative audience. It was in every way delightful. First came a beautiful sonata for viola-alta and piano, which was grace itself; delicate, playful, light _as gossamer, and full of feeling. Herr Balling followed with his arrangement of airs from “Lorelei,” which he gave alone, with great power and expression. Some of Schumann’s fairy tales, singularly graceful and melodious, came next, the Herr and Mr Barnett doing ample justice to the music. They replied to the enthusiastic recall with a “ Pastorale and “ Gavotte ” of Ritter’s. The piece de resistance came last in the shape of two movements of a magnificent trio of Beethoven for piano (Mr Barnett), violin (Mr A. Hill) and ’cello (Herr Balling). This music was admirably given by the three competent artists, and will long linger in the memory of those •who heard their very fine performance.