SCHEREK-JENNINGS' CONCERTS

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17469, 1 June 1922, Page 11

SCHEREK-JENNINGS' CONCERTS

The second concert ef the eeries promoted by the Misses Paula Scherek and MiUicent Jeruiings took pl*oe yesterday afternoon, at tho Jellicoo Hall, and was patronised by a large audience. Thio time the greater part of the programmo was filled by Mr Harold Beck's contributions. At tlio head of liis selections was placed a Sonata (or violoncello and piano 4 by Leon Bobllonaun. 110 19 one of the littlo group of brilliant French organists of the 19th century, who, liko Cesar Kranok, were not merely executants, but composers of extraordinary merit. The Sonata introduced and splendidly played by Mr Beck in partnership with Mrs J. H. Kuanell, is doubtless a fascinating, skilfullyplanned work, with themes forceful and of | pathetic dominance. If preference is to j be given, the 'Andante claims first mention, ; owing to the breadth and sonority of imm allowed to the 'cello, of which Mr Ihck took every advantage. Both players mustered the intricacies witll ease and confidence. Later on Mr Beok played what ia culled fimply a "Pieco," by another French celebrity, Ernest Chausson, one would net euro to judge upon a first impression without access to the score. It Is of a stylo that requires timo for absorption. Sjace Sibelius expressed a definite poetical idea justifiably in his "Valsa Triste," "Sad Yalses," have cropped up everywhere. It is so easy to set a bad example with the best intentions. Mr Alfred Hill's "Valso Triato" is well written, as is all ho writes, and impressive, too; but ho could hare said as much rnd more in another form less of an anomaly. To theso Mr Beck added Moszkowski's "Guitarro" and Popper's "Hungarian Khapsody." In tono and finished execution, as in the grasp of his subjects, Mr Beck is equally entitled to high praise and esteem. A very charming "Larghetto" by Nardini was beautifully played by Miss Paula Scherelt, who followed it up With the capricious, scintillating Polonaise in D major by Henri Wieniawaski, in a very skilful and artistic reading, and with real brilliancy of tech. nique. . In her choioe of songs, Miss Millicent Jennings seemed less happy than' usual. Specially this opinion applies to the most pretentious of her numbers, Ravel's "Nioolette," which U characteristic enough and clever, but lacking an ingredient of beauty. Her fine voice a&o did not come out as easily as is her wont. Sho was well, rather nervously, accompanied by Sir Moody. Mrs.Hußsell discharged her duties with her customary efficiency md preparedness. But tho piano unfortunately does not blend with either voice or strings. For the second time the audieno* was kept waiting a rmartcr of an hour beyond th« appointed-Hime. It is a bad habit. Time is valuablo i?or some of ua. Tho next concert is to be given on Wednesi day afternoon, June 14th.