OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 August 1901, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE.

THE GERARDY CONCERT,

The second concert given by Jean Gerardy drew another large .house, and every number was listened to with rapt attention. Rubinstein's "Sonata in D" was magnificently played by Gerardy and Laurence Phillip, the beauty of each movement being most artistically interpreted by the players. The Andante and Allegro, from a Sonata by Boccherini served ■to display another phase of the artist's skill. After the interval Gerardy contributed "Le Cygne" (Saint Saens), Serenade from the Suite by V. Herbert, and "Papillon" (D. Popper), all bracketted together; also a Nocturne by Chopin, and "Rhapsodie Hongroise" by D. Popper. With the exception of the Rubinstein Sonata everything was played from memory. Gerardy Was recalled again and again after each piece ; he played as encores "Abenlied" by, Schumann, "Gavotte" by Popper, and the Bach Gounod "Meditation," and even then the audience craved for more. Mr Laurence Phillip was received with great enthusiasm, being compelled to accept an encore after each of his solos. He played during the evening Schumann's "Noveiette," Sinding's "Fraulingsrauchen" and "Les deux Alouettes" by Leschetizky; and as encores "Tripping" by Berger, and a "Valse Brilliante" by Widor. Mr Phillip is a pianist, of great promise, and with youth in his favour should make a name for himself. Those who enjoyed the privilege of listening to Jean Gerardy can, never forget the effect produced by the witchery of his sweettoned instrument; the silence with which eveiy note was listened to coiilcl almost be felt.