TODD DUNCAN ACCLAIMED AT SECOND RECITAL

Press, Volume C, Issue 29509, 10 May 1961, Page 17

TODD DUNCAN ACCLAIMED AT SECOND RECITAL

A very large audience in the Majestic Theatre last evening acclaimed Todd Duncan in his second recital. No hearer could fail to be stirred to his depths by Mr Duncan's sincerity of interpretation which, directed by experience, by mature and searching judgment, and by acute sensibility, goes right to the heart of each song, revealing unsuspected beauties in the familiar and exciting adventures of thought in the unfamiliar ones. So it has always been when this singer has delighted us in the past, and so it is now. Todd Duncan has something for every hearer. For the musician he opens a treasury wherein every facet of vocal technique and of interpretative insight shines like a gem in a perfect setting; to the unspecialised listener he gives that glowing warmth of satisfaction which art at its highest can always evoke, even if the means by which it is done cannot be analysed. The programme began with one ot the most serene love songs ever written— Handel's ''Where'er You Walk.” Beautiful and vibrant tone at once captured the whole audience. Then came Handel’s setting of ‘Come and Trip it" from “Comus.” Todd Duncan peopled the stage with dancers; and then it seemed as if all of us in the audience had joined them there in response to his compelling invitation to the dance. Mr Duncan has an uncanny sympathy with his listeners He is a Pied Piper among singers, for follow him we must. In response to tremendous applause he repeated the song and gave an entirely different interpretation which was just as authentic and compelling Then the atmosphere changed completely, and from carefree joy everyone joined Mr Duncan in the heart-rending grief of “O Sleep! Why Dost Thou Leave Me?" Mr Malloy. Mr Duncan’s superb accompanist, set the atmosphere in the introduction, and Mr Duncan's singing of that wonderful melismatic opening led to an unforgettable rendering of one of Handel’s finest arias. Mr Duncan’s interpretations of Schubert lieder were highly dramatic to an extent that could lead to disaster from an artist of lesser stature. However, Todd Duncan looks for every beauty and every fine shade of meaning that is contained in a song, makes them part of himself in interpretation, and gives everything that he has got. Knowing well what dramatic intensity he can

put forth, one could feel a chill of fear even before the "Doppelganger” began. While he was singing it the stage drapings disappeared, and a cobbled street with deep gutters, a high-gabled house just visible in the darkness, with a figure of doom before the door were brought vividly in their place. It was a terrifying performance Then in a flash, in the next song. Mr Duncan had us looking at a young man in the woods of the Kahlenberg. with the sun shining through the leaves, as he carved his lady’s name on a tree. It was so effortlessly but convincingly done. Three Ballads of Francois Villon by Debussy were adventurous programme material. Strong fare they were with no concessions They were excellent examples of Debussy’s ranging genius and. in spite of later developments in modern writing, are as fresh today as when they made their first appearance. For both singer and pianist they are difficult both technically and in the capturing of the elusive atmosphere. They offered astonishing contrast —the cursing of a young woman who seems to have deserved it. the sheer loveliness of a tender prayer, and a swashbuckling extolling of cosmopolitan feminine charms Wonderful stuff it was! The last part of the programme contained some songs by English composers, all most attractively rendered, and then glorious and unforgettable singing of some neero spirituals. To Mr Malloy thanks must be given *for his splendid claying of the accompaniments, which fully supported Mr Duncan's artistry His sensitive response to each requirement of nuance and of dramatic effect was a model of the art of accompaniment. His solo playing of two works by Chopin was deeniy appreciated This year’s good news is that these two artists will give another concert in the Civic Theatre on Tuesday May 23 —C.F.B