MUSIC FOR TWO PIANOS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27410, 24 July 1954, Page 9

MUSIC FOR TWO PIANOS

CANTERBURY COLLEGE RECITAL Two pianists, Margaret Nielsen anc William Hawkey, gave Thursday’! lunch-time recital in the Canterbury University College Hall. They presented a programme of music for twe pianos by Mozart, Schumann, anc Ritchie. The major work was Schumann *« “Six Etudes en forme se Canon.” These were in effect a series of delightful dialogues between the two instruments. Contrast between the different studies is well gauged. The whole work is technically difficult, but most rewarding for the listener. John Ritchie’s “Passacaglia an<! Fugue on a Folky Theme” is not i recent composition, but it is seldom one might say too seldom, heard. The variations on the theme, short though they are. explore its possibilities effectively. The fugue builds up to a climax which sums up the whole work by recapitulating the primary theme The two pianists played with unanimity and assurance. It wai delightful to hear such clean and graceful playine in a medium which presents such difficulties of ensemble The sense of intepretation and style with which the works were played contributed to a very pleasant recital —P.G.Z.