AEOLIAN CLUB OPEN CONCERT SEASON WITH SPLENDID PROGRAMME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18785, 14 June 1929, Page 7

AEOLIAN CLUB OPEN CONCERT SEASON WITH SPLENDID PROGRAMME.

An interesting and well given programme marked the first recital of the present season of the ASolian Club last evening at the Caledonian Hall. It began with Mozart’s Sonata in D major for two pianos. Never can the lovely melodies of the Salzburg master lose their freshness. The sonata was played by Miss Eunice Tait (at the first piano) and Mr Frederick Page, with taste and good effect. Each of the players was later heard in solos. Mr Page chose the B Major Nocturne, which is of suave, polished theme, and calls for neat trills . in its technical embroideries. Miss Eileen Hughson was another well prepared soloist, with the Glinka-Bala-kirew “ L’Alouette.” Miss Bessie Pollard brought forward the splendid symphonic studies of Schumann. One can always feel assured of technical brilliancy and plenty of power with Miss Pollard’s performances. She, how- ; ever, nowadays is tending too much in ( that direction solely, and wants to de-

vote most time to musical expressiveness and subtleties of touch and refinement. Debussy’s delicate atmospheric art is notable in the “Gardens in the Rain,’’ clearly and pleasingly played by Miss Mary Monteath. Rubinstein’s always popular Concerto in D Minor concluded the recital, played by Miss Olive Cooper, with Mr Ernest Empson at the second piano for the orchestral part. The concerto is elaborate, beginning with massive power; with an andante

1 of eloquent charm of theme; and a ! finale that works up to and concludes , with most brilliant technical display Rubinstein undoubtedly had original i ity and an arresting titanic breadth of style, using up the whole of the pianc with orchestral freedom. Miss Cooper did very commendably in her arduous and lengthy task, playing brilliantly. The singers were Miss Lillian Hanham and Mr Douglas Suckling. The , soprano was well suited in a fine song of Rachmaninoff's, “ Spring Waters,” with a wealth of accompaniment obviously written by a pianist. Mr Empson was the accompanist of the evening. There can be no doubt of the benefit of these piano clubs, which enable students to hear, and be heard in, beautiful works which otherwise would never be brought before the public in these lands so far distant from the centres of music. SYDNEY FRANCIS lIOBEN.