ORGAN RECITAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19968, 9 December 1926, Page 15

ORGAN RECITAL.

The organ recital given in First Church by Dr V. E. Galway, assisted by Miss Koa M. Oliver, last evening, was very largely attended, indeed it is rarely that such an audience is seen at organ recitals. The playing by Dr Galway and Miss Oliver was of a very high order, and some of the items would have borne repetition. That, however, is very properly prohibited under such conditions as existed at last evening's recital. The programme was compiled from classical compositions by some of the world's leading writers of music; Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Chopin figuring prominently. Dr Galway opened with an excellent rendering of Bach’s ‘‘Fugue in D minor,” known as the “Dorian.” The majestic nature of the fugue was very ably brought out by Dr Galway, and the composition was treated as only an accomplished player could treat it. It was skilfully- and artistically played. Dr Galway followed his initial success with three choral preludes hy Brahms and nch. The first of these, by Brahms, was “A Rose Breaks into Bloom,” a dainty composition most delicately treated hy the organist. It was charmingly played, and some beautiful soft effects were obtained. Bach’s ‘ Sleepers Wake,” was opened beautifully, and tho simple air played exquisitely. Like tho item that had preceded it there was a demand for graceful treatment, and tho fact was never lost sight of. Brahm’s "Deck Thyself, O My Soul,” was very similar in character, and was presented equally well. The three preludes could not fail to ho appreciated by tho large audience. Miss Koa Oliver then took her scat at the piano, and gave a brilliant rendering of Beethoven’s Sonata in C majoi ("The Waldstein”). The allegro con brio was in itself amply sufficient to demonstrate that Miss Oliver possessed wonderful executive skill, and in the direction of correct interpretation there was nothing wanting. Difficult as the movement was for a pianiste its gendering was practically faultless, so far .as executive skill went. Miss Oliver’s artistry was put to the tost. in tho molto adagio, and here the young lady proved clearly that, she was by no moans deficient in this direction. There is a beautiful air running through this movement, which was played with great feeling. It was noticeable that Miss Oliver played the whole of the music in a difficult solo without the assistance of the score, an instance of memorising not commonly met with amongst local players. Thai, to a considerable extent explains the very high standard of interpretation sho reached. Miss Oliver was at liberty to bestow all her attention upon her work, and could concentrate upon giving a clean ami artistic rendering which she undoubtedly did. Dr Galway then resumed his seat at the otgan, and gave a very pleasing rendering of Widor’s ‘‘Allegro Cantahile,” from Symphonic No. 5, which received ail the varied treatment it demanded. It was a musicianly performance that was hoard. The succeeding number was given Jay, Miss Oliver and Dr Galway, the lady being at tho piano. The selection wa» “Symphonic Variations” For piano and orchestra, by Cesar Franck. Much of the work in this devolved upon tho pianiste, who proved quite equal tp the demands made upon her. The selection is to all intents and purposes a pianoforte solo to which the accompanying organ was an irresponsible aid. Miss Oliver played the solo part exceptionally well, and received a. full measure of support from the organist. Never once did the two instruments fail to be in perfect accord. Dr Galway’s next organ solo was tho prelude to “The Blessed Damozel,” by De-hus.-v, an exquisite piece of music in which tho harmonies are particularly beautiful, [t is almost needless to say that tho organist did full justice to the prelude. Following this came three preludes by Chopin in E minor and G major for the piano, the soloist being Miss Oliver, who agaiti showed a perfect knowledge of what was required of her, and gave finished perform at ices iu cacti instance. The recital was brought to a conclusion hv Dr Gal wav playing Rheinhorger's “Finale in F sharp major'’ on the organ.