UNIVERSITY CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20703, 29 April 1929, Page 2

UNIVERSITY CONCERT.

A FINE PROGRAMME, A programme of classical music was played ou Saturday evening by some of Dunedin's leading musicians in ■ Allen Hall, Otago University, before a ’ large audience. ■ The concert had been promoted by Dr V. E. Galway in aid of the funds of the library, and’ from ,the number present a considerable sum must have been raided for the purpose. Nearly all the selections heard were-of the usual extreme length, and ohc cf these was the opening item, Bach's “ Concerto in ' D minor, of which the three movements were played by Mr Max Scherek, as solo pianist, and Dr_ Galway, two pianos being used. There is an immense, amount of work in the concerto, and.-not a little difficulty,to be met and overcome. The two pianists engaged upon the_ interpretation gave a very fine ■ rendering of the famous composition, all the movements being admirably played. Mr David Blair sang several varied selections in a manner that at once proclaimed him to be an accomplished artist. It was Evident that Mr Blair can sing anything he sets his mind to, though, if anything, he is heard to the greatest advantage in music of an emotional character. Mr Blair played his own accompaniments. He sang first a recitative and aria from Verdi's opera f ‘ Simon Boccanegra." The' renderings were amply sufficient to prove that a vocalist of no ordinary order was at the Eiano. The Verdi excerpt was followed y a song by and Handel's famous “ Ruddier Than the Cherry,” with its introductory recitative. 1 The loud applause that came so readily from the audience was a clear indication that Mr Blair had made a great impression. At a_ later stage in the concert he added to his earlier success by singing four items (most of which were by Schubert) in an even more attractive manner. Of the four, possibly nothing was more calculated to impress the listener than “O Love. Long Lost,” which was mc£t artistically sung. “Dream in the Twilight,” by Strauss, was another great success. Variety - was lent to the programme by the introduction of a duet for violin and piano, the selected item being Grieg’s “ Sonata in C minor,” Che violinist being Miss Isobel Langlands, and the pianist Dr Galway. The three movements—allegro mol to, romanza, and allegro animate—were played with great effect. Miss Langlands proved herself an adept with the- bow. Like Bach’s concerto, that by Grieg was extremely lengthy, and gave ample opportunity for both Miss Langlands and Dr, Galway to exhibit their skill. _ Though last, Tchaikowsky’a “ Concerto in B fiat major ” was by no means the least enjoyable selection heard. In this instance the solo pianist was Miss Maisie M'Donald. a second piano being played by Dr Galway. The first movement only was given, and with very gratifying results. Miss M'Donald was not making her first appearance in public, having on several previous occasions de-. lighted her audience with her clever playing of difficult music. It wag a remarkably fine performance.