MUSICA VIVA PLAYERS

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 October 1948, Page 6

MUSICA VIVA PLAYERS

! MEMORABLE EVENING FOR LISTENERS I (By GM.) i It is generally admitted that listening with enjoyment to a performance of a siring quartette is an acquired haste. The opportunity afforded in I New Zealand is rare anil the younger | generation is hardly conscious of such [music, although the radio frequently (records de.ightful examples of this ; form of music. I Sir Thomas regards a [string quartette ; - an example of al> isolute music. That means that the highlight achieved is perfect intonation, and this is the first essential. I The programme lasi evening given I by the Musica Viva Players in WanIganui wil! a.ways be remembered by 'those who attended. The beauty of [tone made an instant appeal in tha I Haydn Quartette in D Major. More .'especially did the complete under- [ standing in pianissimo passages give evidence of intensive practice. It was indeed a revelation in concerted string I playing and giving the audience a I sense of confidence and repose. The I pianoforte trio Op. 90 of Dvorak was a sheer de ight. Here were changing [rhythms, wild, hilarious music, exjciting to listen to, and completely [satisfying. The piano part was delightfully played by Maureen Jones, young pianist o' outstanding promI ise. I Would the audience have liked to hear music that they knew better? Yes, possibly- The Beethoven Minuet and the Andante of Tschaikovsky were familiar, hut. I did not notice that the applause was any greater for these two well-known works. It has generally been accepted that, a concert given by a string quartette is more intimate and intellectual than a piano or song recital. It was, however, a memorable evening.