M. LEON-DRIVER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2324, 27 February 1892, Page 2

M. LEON-DRIVER.

As will be seen by reference to our advertising columns tML Leon-Driver, the eminent pianist, will give some of his recitals in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, next Wednesday evening. He comes to us with the highest testimonials any musician could have. The Manchester Review says ; —“ This eminent solo pianist appears this evening in his wonderful piano recitals and concerts, which have been nothing but a series of most brilliant successes, arousing the people to great demonstrations of enthusiasm wherever he has performed. His forte is solo work of the fantasia order, which he excels in. He inaugurates a season in this city by a performance of a number of the Liszt school of pianoforte works. He has been unhesitatingly pronounced to be a great geuius on the piano. His specialitc is in works of great difficulty and execution, which he renders with a fire, dash, power, accuracy and facility of execution truly astounding, but he is equally good in the chaste and classical school.” Melbourne Life says;—“ The last and we may say truly marvellous solo performed was the pianist’s own composition ‘ A Storm at Sea,’ one of the most realistic and vivid solos we have heard.” And then it goes on to describe the storm at sea, in which the calm, the sailor’s songs, the storm and the prayers, are dealt with. The Aucklan d Herald says “ The Storm at Sea ” is the finest solo ever heard in that city. The Auckland Star says : —“ He is a most brilliant pianist, and every item was enthusiastically encored. The house was packed at his final recitals.” There cannot be the slightest doubt that M. LeonDriver is an artist-of the first class, and we trust he will meet with success. We are told that such is the excellency of his playing, that it fascinates and pleases the musically uneducated, as well as those who are trained musicians, as the symphony is preserved through all the variations.