GREAT BRITISH CONDUCTOR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22999, 30 September 1936, Page 14

GREAT BRITISH CONDUCTOR

DR MALCOLM SARGENT 1N SYDNEY I ■" IMMENSE SUCCESS ACHIEVED (From Our Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, Sept, 17. A puckish figure, cajoling and challenging his orchestra in the most engaging fashion, Dr Malcolm Sargent, famous British conductor, introduced himself to Australia', at the Sydney Town Hall last Saturday night with a programme that was festive in its good humour., The success of the concert . exceeded all expectations, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, despite' evidence that-it needed more training, rose to unanticipated heights.' " From the visual aspect. Dr Sargent proved intensety interesting and eloquent. His musical accomplishments are so sure that he has no need to follow the example of some other conductors, who put on an exaggerated* “ show ” for the public, seeking to convince by gesture where they fail in orchestral results. Yet he gives full play to the expression of changing emotions. Apart from one or two obvious touches of. theatre, which were legitimately employed, the use of the left hand to control nuance and the wide variety in the amplitude of the baton’s beat, provided constant material for study and admiration.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra seldom enjoys an opportunity to play under a really eminent conductor. This means that, compared with the leading orchestras abroad, it has received only spasmodic training. The individual musicians are there, with a high degree of technical accomplishments; but the idea of bringing a conductor from England and requiring him,, in six rehearsals, to produce a first-class performance had seemed a fai" ’ makeshift sort of business. Yet •> principal feature of Dr Sargeni. y accomplishment was its effect.of sureness and poise. Detail had been carefully elaborated, so that, while maintaining its place in a balanced ensemble, it gave the score a fascinating richness. Every instrument remained alert and responsive to small variations in dynamic emphasis. Discipline raised the standard of achievement among individuals, as well as in the orchestra at large. However restrained and measured Dr Sargent’s thought may be, one remained conscious of an abundant store of emotional reserves. That is the real secret'of his eminence. He showed himself a master-builder of orchestral effect, and a musician of the heart as well as the head. Dr Sargent has been brought here by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, so his results of conducting achievements are heard by tens of thousands of listeners, as well as by the 3000 or so who can fill the Town Hall. His visit to Australia at present is limited to two months, but prominent musicians here are urging the commission to extend it. “It would be a magnificent thing for music in Australia and musicians if Dr Sargent could remain here for six months,” said one musician. “Dr Sargent’s conducting is not only technically perfect, but also brilliantly interpretative. He has a super knowledge of the scores, and intense familiarity with them has made perfection of performance second nature to him. Dr Sargent praised the work of the orchestra and the musical interest and sympathy .of the Sydney audience. “ I was extremely gratified by the reception of the programme,” he said. “ The orchestra consists of a very fine body of players. They have enthusiasm and sincerity of purpose. The fine playing was no accident. It was the result of hard and painstaking work by all. With the experience of one concert, and more rehearsals, Sydney music lovers can look forward to even better results.”