ANDRE SKALSKI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18874, 29 May 1923, Page 3

ANDRE SKALSKI

Andre Skalski. the Polish pianist, who 36 at present -visiting Xcw Zealand, comes ■with a big reputation. He has lately made a tour of the East; including the Duton Indies Japani ' and. China, and in Japan Skalski was one of the two pianists who have ever played by, Imperial command. In the course of its introductory notice to Andre Skalski’s pianoforte recitals the Auckland Herald said: “Last night’s audience was fully representative, and applauded to the echo the remarkable and diverse readings of many of the noblest examples of pianoforte literature. Skalski is an artist whose manner at the keyboard is that of one completely absorbed in the message of his music. He apparently excels in no particular school, and there is a strong personal touch in all his renderings. Ho achieves his softer effects with consummate skill, his pianissimos representing a mere thread of sound, while as he loads nissupple and highly-trained fingers into the charge of •ante movement of gripping intensity and •omtne. his technical resource meets every Jptnond, but the more serious message of trio composer is never subordinated to mere display.” Discussim? tue second recital in Auckland the Herald _said: r (i A striking characteristic of Skalski s playing is his ready command of the extremes of tone. His contrasts are achieved without apparent effort, as ho sits upright at the concert frand in the semi-darkened hall. borne of is readings are refreshingly unconventional, thus affording a ready rebuke to those with pedantic notions of what constitutes a pianoforte performance.” Dunedin music-lovers ■will have the opportunity of hearing M. Skalski at Burns Hall during his season, starting on Saturday, Juno 2. Tile box plans will lie open at the Bristol Piano Company on Thursday next.