A MUSICAL TREAT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23529, 18 June 1938, Page 13

A MUSICAL TREAT

From the reports to hand of the recitals given in New Zealand by Mile. Eenee Nizan, it is evident that her reputation in Europe and America as one of the world’s most distinguished concert organists is amply justified. In Auckland. Wellington and Christchurch she has attracted andences. who have been delighted by playing, neither pedantic nor academic. but possessed of the elements which fire the imagination; The majority of the items on Tuesday s programme are new ini so far as this city is concerned, and the whole programme cannot be classed as a heavy Sne It is made up of pieces composed specially for the organ, and does not include any of the fine transcriptions of grand opera. Such works, although very effective, are not real organ music, having been originally scored for orchestra; and Voices. Mile. Nizan, as a Parisian, lias naturally elected to play a majority of items ot French organ music, but one notable exception is the Bach choral Now Rejoice, All Ye Christians. Another outstanding item which should bring out the best of our magnificent organ is the invocation “Electa ut Sol (uallier), with which the performance will be commenced. The other items which will be presented are;—“ Soeur Monique” (Couperin), “Noel” (d'Aouin),. “Allegro—Sixth Symphony (Widor), “Prelude, Fugue, and Variations” (Franck), “Scherzo,” dedicated to Renee' Nizan (de Et. Martin). “ Hymne au Soleil ” (Vierne), “Stella Matutina” (Dallier). and "Toccata—from Symphonic V” (Widor). Mile. Nizan is appearing here at a stage in her career when she is capable of giving her best, and her abilities can be realised when it is remembered that she gave her first recital when 14 years of age at Paris in the “Salle GaveaU,” and then gave further recitals in the principal cathedrals throughout France. A year later, at the aee of 15, she appeared as soloist with the famous Symphony Orchestra at Pasdeloup before embarking on a recital tour throughout France. Belgium, and Holland. In 1931,. at the age of 17, she made an organ recital tour in America, presenting over 100 recitals, 49 of which were given in 50 days. She also appeared as soloist with the leading American symphony orchestras. Three years later she gave a second tour through the United States and Canada, giving over 140 recitals. In 1937 she was heard in London, and Archibald Farmer, the music critic of the London Musical Times, an unquestioned authority on organ music, declared: —" I can testify that her technical ability is prodigious. At her recital in St. John’s Red Lion Square she played three movements of Vierene’s trying and immensely difficult Sixth Symphony. She has pluck, enthusiasm, and a healthy curiosity lor all kinds of music.” The recital has been arranged by the city organist, under the auspices of the Dunedin City Council.