RUSSIAN MUSIC

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27397, 9 July 1954, Page 7

RUSSIAN MUSIC

Concert By National Orchestra Last evening in the Civic Theatre, Mr Warwick Braithwaite conducted the National Orchestra in what was possibly the most bolourful programme we have had so far. Every item was by a Russian composer, and whatever anyone may think about Russians, past or present, pro or con, dead or alive, there is no doubt about the fact that they have a remarkable facility in writing for an orchestra — a relatively harmless pursuit.

This was a most enjoyable concert, with all members of the orchestra playing so well and seeming to enjoy the playing as much as the audience did. technically the whole of their work was of a very high standard. There was a splendid balance preserved—no easy matter in some of this orchestration. The expressive qualities of the playing, ranging as it did from the lightest gossamer of sound to flaring climaxes, kept interest well keyed-up; and the orchestra played with unflagging rhythmic vitality. All these achievements showed Mr Braithwaite’s ability as a trainer and as an interpreter in a very excellent way. •Rimsky-Korsakov’s overture, “A May Night,” created a favourable atmosphere at the beginning of the concert. It is a work in which the mood of expectancy prevails largely. This is brought out with many piquant sounds—the result of delicately sensitive pastel orchestration.

Tchaikovski’s second symphony—the “Little Russian” —followed, -and very interesting it was. The whole symphony is a tour-de-force of brilliant orchestration, and nothing of it was lost in this performance. Borodin’s tone poem, “On The Steppes of Central Asia,” is one of the very best examples of the masterly use of the orchestra to portray a scence, and to convey a background of vast space. It is all done so simply, but it is a magnificent simplicity. Mr Andrew Gold was the soloist last evening. He has a tenor voice of very beautiful quality, which he uses in. a way that reveals excellent training and thoughtful misicianship. Every word he sings is clear, his phrasing leaves nothing to be desired; he has a wide range of nuance under his control; and he keeps -a resonant vitality in his voice at all levels of expression. He sang three operatic arias—“Lenski’s Scene and Aria” from “Eugen Onegin” by Tchaikovski; Vladimir’s Cavatina” from “Prince Igor,” by Borodin: and the “Hindu Song” from “Sadko,” by RimskyKorsakov. In addition to Mr Gold’s excellent singing, mention must be made of the splendid way in which the Orchestra played the very colourful accompaniments. The programme ended with Moussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” —one of the really great pieces of “programme music.” Each mood was caught most aptly in this performance, and Mr Braithwaite’s few words of explanation before each “picture” were helpful and added to the interest. Altogether this was a successful and artistic concert. The National Orchestra wib play again in Christchurch on Saturday evening. —C.F.B.