A FEAST OF CHOPIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22022, 3 August 1933, Page 10

A FEAST OF CHOPIN

MR PAUL VINOGRADOFF’S RECITAL A BRILLIANT EXPONENT. Few more satisfying and interesting interpretations of the works of Francois Chopin have been heard in Dunedin than those given by Mr Paul Vinogradoff in his second pianoforte recital in the Concert Chamber last evening, when he presented a comprehensive selection of that master’s compositions. Endowed with an interpretative gift that disclosed new and undreamed-of beauties in the various works he presented, and -possessing a superb technical equipment, Mr Vinogradoff completely enthralled his audience—which, by the way, was of more satisfactory proportions than that which first greeted the musician in this city—and the heartfelt expressions of enthusiasm with which his efforts were received were a genuine tribute to his artistic insight and executive brilliance. During the evening Mr Vinogradoff played no fewer than 17 of Chopin’s compositions, including the massive and majestic Sonata in B flat minor, and to the great majority of his hearers the recital constituted a disclosure of the master in a new and, if possible, a more impressive light. As a pianoforte recital it was masterly, and as an interpretation of the Chopin mood in all its beauty of thought it was a memorable musical experience. There are probably many who would welcome yet another recital by this talented artist who has a definite message to give to those - who would seek fresh beauty in the works of the giants of the pianoforte. Mr Vinogradoff opened his recital with a beautifully etched interpretation of the Fantasia in F minor, an exquisite piece of writing, in which his delicacy of artistry and effortless execution immediately won the warmest approval of the audience. The Prelude in D flat (“Theßaindrop”), which received sympathetic treatment, was followed by the brilliant Fautasie Impromptu, which was played at great speed, the brilliance of the pianist’s execution and the warmth of his tone colouring making this an extremely enjoyable number. The Study in C sharp minor, in a delightfully restrained interpretatibn of which Mr Vinogradoff displayed his remarkable qualifications as a tonalist, was succeeded by a spirited and amazingly competent rendition of the brilliant Scherzo in C sharp minor, an exacting composition which obviously presented no difficulties for the musician. The first half of the recital was brought to a close with a magnificent interpretation of the great Sonata in B flat minor, the third movement (Marche Funebrc) being played with a depth of expression which was singularly impressive, while the extraordinary finale was presented at great speed. It was a masterly rendition as a whole. Continuing the programme, the Ballade in A flat, which received arreetingly artistic treatment, was followed by the beautiful Nocturne in F sharp, in which Mr Vinogradoff once more displayed the delicacy of his touch and the entrancing quality of his tonal shading;. The Waltz in A flat was given a scintillating performance, and the succeeding Mazurka in A flat was a delicately coloured interpretation, both renditions being received with the keenest enthusiasm. The programme proper was brought to a conclusion with a vigorous and spirited performance of the exacting Polonaise in A flat, which showed «the pianist to be thoroughly at home in the presentation of works of a more robust character. Throughout the evening Mr Vinogradoff was generous in his response to the demands for encores, playing the Waltz in C sharp minor, Nocturne in C minor, Waltz in A flat, “ The Butterfly ” Etude, Waltz in E minor, and Nocturne in D flat: