SPIVAKOVSKY-KURTZ TRIO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21975, 9 June 1933, Page 10

SPIVAKOVSKY-KURTZ TRIO

BRILLIANT THIRD RECITAL The audience which greeted the third appearance of the Spivakovsky-Kurtz trio in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last evening was certainly of more satisfying proportions than that of the previous evening, but considering the magnificent performances already given by these artists in this city, and also the outstanding of the programme selected for the recital, the auditorium should have been packed' to capacity. It would almost appear as if the musicians and music-lovers in this city are under the impression that this trio has nothing of marked interest to offer them, an attitude which would be pathetic if it were not such a poor indication of the city’s true musical appreciation. One thing which can bq said in favour of last night’s audience is that it waxed almost enthusiastic over the artistic and executive qualifications of the three instrumentalists as did the audience on Monday night, and the general atmosphere of the recital was on that account a noticeable improvement on the previous evening. The inclusion of compositions by such giants of music as Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Mozart, Chopin and Debussy in the programme was in itself an assurance that an entertainment of remarkable musical value vtould be presented, an assurance which, was fulfilled to the last letter, the audience being quick to discern the high quality of the fare provided. The recital opened with an epic performance of the majestic Trio in D major, by Beethoven, in which the artists again demonstrated the perfection of their combination, and the brilliance of their technical and artistic skill which made their earlier performances such a delight to the ear. The opening allegro, with its swiftly changing moods, was given an exceedingly colourful presentation, while the dignified and richly melodic largo gave the musicians an- opportunity of displaying the wonderful sympathy of their interpretative sense. The trio concluded with the brilliant and vigorous presto, a movement full of life and energy, which was given flawless treatment, the audience being enthusiastic in its expressions of appreciation. Mr Tossy Spivakovsky’s bracket of violin solos was introduced by a superb interpretation of Bach’s exacting Prelude and Fugue in G minor, for violin alone, a composition in which the violinist displayed his very consderable powers as an executant and as an artist. The fngal movement was a remarkable exhibition of technical expertnr-ss, his bowing and stopping being .something to wonder at. “ The Chorus of Dervishes ” from Beethoven’s" “ Ruins of Athens ” was a brilliant and exciting number, of strongly barbaric motif, and the violinist revelled in the technical difficulties with which it bristled. In contrastng vein was Mozart’s lilting and blithe Rondo in G major, in which lovely tone and delightful interpretative grace were the outstanding features, the bracket concluding with a completely satisfying performance of the well-known Hungarian Dance, No. 1, by Brahms. In response to demands for encores Mr Spivakovsky played Elgar’s “La Capricieuse,” and “Valse Mignonne," by Juon Powell. Perhaps the finest performance given by Mr Jascha Spivakovsky during his present season in Dunedin was the noble Sonata in B flat minor, by Chopin, which constituted last night’s major pianoforte work. Best known for its great Funeral March, which forms the third movement, this sonata embodies a wide variety of moods, and its magnificent construction and glorious melodies make it for ever a joy to the lover of music. Mr Spivakovsky’s presentation can only be classed as superb, the wealth of expression with which he invested it, and his great technical and interpretative skill, combining to make this number one of the most outstanding works of the season. The first two movements were played with a fine regard for correct atmosphere and mood, while the Funeral March was given an inspired performance, in which great depth of artistic expression was combined with perfect tone quality. A masterly performance of the remarkable concluding presto movement rounded 'off a presentation which will long be a treasured memory of all who heard it. As recall numbers Mr Spivakovsky played two further Chopin numbers, an Etude and a Valse, in delightful style. The lovely Bach Adagio, a transcription for the ’cello by, Siloti, was Mr Edmund Kurtz’s opening solo number, in which he rose to rare heights of artistic interpretation. His entrancingly beautiful tone and his finely developed sense of interpretative colouring made this a singularly beautiful number, and the audience’s fervent expressions of approval were richly deserved. An appealingly graceful and dainty Menuet, by Debussy, was played with exquisite charm, while “ Requiebros,” a richly melodic composition of strongly Spanish flavour by Gaspar Cassado, was another work which instantly captured the audience’s imagination. , Scherzo Fantastique, a brilliant and carefree by Elemer Pollonyi, which was played for the first time in this country, provided a masterly exhibition of bowing and stopping, the audience being so captivated by its charm that two further numbers, “ Serenata,” by Poppa, and the Rimsky-Korsakoff “ The Plight of the Bumble Bee” had to bo played before Mr Kurtz was allowed to leave the stage. The fourth and final recital will be given to-morrow evening.