A TREAT FOR MUSIC LOVERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18653, 23 August 1930, Page 14

A TREAT FOR MUSIC LOVERS

WORLD-FAMOUS VIOLINIST Jan Kubelik, the world-famous violinist, whose tour of the Australian States, under the aegis of Messrs J. and N. Tait, Is proving one of the most sensational successes of the century, is to visit New Zealand. This splendid news will gladden the hearts of the many thousands in the Dominion who have previously shown their high appreciation of the beautiful music he draws from his wonderful Stradivarius —one of the most valuable violins in the world.

From the New Zealand representative of J. and N. Tait we learn that I the virtuoso will open his New Zealand season at the Wellington Town Hall on Saturday, September 27th, and that three grand recitals will be given in Wellington, the other dates being October Ist and 4th. A New Zealand tour w r ill follow the Wellington opening. The South Island wiU be visited first, Kubelik appearing at Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill and probably in the principal provincial towns. Details in this connection are now being arranged. So far as the North Island is concerned, Auckland, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Napier and New Plymouth will probably be included in the tour. Mr Claud Kingston, who has so successfully managed the New Zealand tour of famous artitsts who have come to the Dominion under engagement to the enterprising J. and N. Tait, will accompany Kubelik and personally direct the New Zealand tour.

World Renowned Master Violinist. Jan Kubelik, the world-renowned master violinist, whose concerts in Australia are at present creating a veritable sensation in musical circles, and critics declare he has the technique by which huge audiences can be thrilled and charmed. Kubelik recreates in himself what he feels to have been the mood of the composer. It is this playing which establishes an invisible chord, connecting the player's and the Hearer’s hearts, and, swayed himself by the feelings of the moment, he sways his audience. He makes the music he draws from the instrument supreme in every soul in

the audience; his feelings and passion carry the audience away. These are moments of the greatest triumph. Two Fortunes in Violins. It is said that Jan Kubelik, the world famous violinist possesses two fortunes in his strikingly fine examples of the violin-mak-ers’ craft. Unique as his collection is, pride of place must undoubtedly be given to his wonderful Stradivarius. This violin is one of the three best Stradivari in the world, being known as “The Emperor” (made in 1715), the other two being the “Messiah” and the "Allard”. When Kubelik bought “The Emperor” he paid what was then the record price ever given for any violin. That was 20 years ago, since when he has refused some truly astounding offers; record prizes for even these days of frenzied finance. “The Emperor” is valued at no less than £25,000. Besides possessing “The Emperor.” Strad., he owns a violin made by the famous Joseph Guarnerius del Jesu. This violin, it is generally agreed, is the most perfect specimen of del Jesu’s work. Guarnerius has, by many people, been placed on the same level of violin production as Stradivarius. and these two violins alone are worth fortunes. Not content with possessing two treasures, M. Kubelik also has a collection of other famous violins including examples of the work at Amati, Ruggiere, Testore, Gagliano, Ceruti, and others, but whenever he travels he always takes his beloved “Emperor” and the famous Guarnerius with him. He will bring both to New Zealand.