MISS MAUD ALLAN AND THE CHERNIAVSKYS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14972, 20 May 1914, Page 10

MISS MAUD ALLAN AND THE CHERNIAVSKYS.

The* second performance" last night, before a .very. good house, brought a group-of four Chopin Preludes, lacking the closer connexion of the "Peer Gynt Suite," but nevertheless affording Miss Maud Allan some excellent opportunities for the fine characterisation that distinguished her previous productions. In "Sorrow ,, there was expre.<v<;<Hl tho anguish of a stricken soul; in ''Despair ' the frantic, hopeless attempt to escape the doom; "Hope ,, dawned slowly int.> certainty, and "Joy"' was lifted into heights of ecsiacy. Lant night's version of Mendelssohn's "Spring Song" differed from her former presentation; this time she seemed to greet and hasten its advent, anticipate its glory and nhale its fragrance. Very finely she pictured the sensations of the "Funeral March." which called into action all her skill, in combining the sorrow, despair, a moment of trust and light, and then the return to tho pansjs of reality and prostrate grief. In" similar manner were accented the feelings of love and longing in the Chopin Nocturne," and the transition to temporary gloom, to be quickly dispelled again. The "Moment Musical," tho Brahms Valse. maintained a standard that roused universal admiration. Tho lighting .arrangements had improved, and permitted a better study of Miss Allan's facial expression, that is always convincing. The Cherniavsky Brothers played th«« splendid "Allegro con fiioco, from a Mendelssohn trio, with v«»ry fine effect, the difficult piano part leading with a fine swing, and the real temperament was infused into the "Hungarian ]>auee" by Brahms. Mr Mischel gave wifrli excellent taste and finish a "Hungarian Rhapsody." by Popper, and Saint SaenvK "Dying Swan"; Mr Jan. a smart reading ot Chopin's B flat minor. Scherzo—would that it had been another—and the "Ecossaisse" following, as well as . Leschetizky's "Tornitii," ronsad deservedly a storm of applause, while Mr Leo showed again his remnrkftblo skill and ease of manipulation in Wieniawski's very difficult "'Faust" Fantasie." A charming "Berceuse" on muted strings, and a lancihil '•Chinese Dance" by Kreissler were features .if the evening. Mr Frank H. Loger did excellent sen-ice with the accompaniments. In all, it was another delightful evening.

This evening Miss Mmid Allau will execute the following dunces:— 'Erotic," "Little Birds." Poetic Tonopictnie op. 3, No. 3, Norwegian Danco No. 1 (Grieg), the Barcarolle from "The Talee of Hoffman," and New Studios of Chopin C minor, op. 10 (a Soul in Bondage), and G flat, op. 10 (Capture of the Elfin Steed). Mr Jan Cherniavsky will play Chopin's Ballade in G niinor, Mr Leo will play Max finich c G Minor Concerto for the violin, and Mx Mischel "Cantabile," by Cvi, and "Arequin" (Popper). The three will-also play Arensky's Trio in D for piano, violin, and 'cello. Mr Frank St. Leger will act 9s accompanist.