Mr Till’s Splendid Concert

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31005, 10 March 1966, Page 18

Mr Till’s Splendid Concert

The first of the University’s series of evening concerts was given last evening by Mr Maurice Till. His invaluable support to many artists as accompanist brings him often to the concert platform; it was pleasant and rewarding to have him there in a solo recital once again. He began with Beethoven’s Sonata in E flat major, Op. 31, No. 3, playing the first movement with fine appreciation of its pensive atmosphere expressed in subdued but clearly defined colours. The scherzo rang a merry chime wth stirrng delineation of rhythm and nicety of choice of dynamic levels. The minuet was gracefully played against a charming background of reflective pognancy. Mellow and appealing sounds of gently singing quality made fitting preparation for the exuberant spirit of the last movement which had the

coruscations of a catherinewheel.

This was followed by Schumann’s Fantasia in C major. Op. 17. Well-rounded and ringing tones marked the opening, and romantic and poetic use of expression with beautifully moulded phrasing made the full effect, as the first movement pressed on to a fiery climax. Subtleties of rhythmic variation were conveyed convincingly until the movement died gently away. The second movement was strong and came with warming and bright colours in stirring pageantry. The last movement was played with a delicate lyricism. Warm tones of a 'cello’s timbre carried the melody gently on its way. Although the Fantasia is long, Mr Till held everyone’s interest throughout its course. The second part of the programme began with Ravel’s “Mirbitrs”—a suite of five pieces making wide demands on a performer’s imaginative

insight and on his technical skill. “Noctuelles” was played with “wi'U-o-the-wisp” delicacy of darting sounds portrayed with pellucid clarity. “Oiseaux Tristes" gave a charming picture m darker hues and “Une Barque sur 1’ Ocean." in passages of brilliantly rippling and surging sounds gave the effect of dazzling sunlight reflected from the water. It was superbly played. “Alborado del Gracioso” skipped about with vivid flourish in hot-blooded Latin ebullience. It is a work of remarkable mood and character and Mr Till gave us a masterly interpretation and brought it to a terrific climax. “La Vallee des Cloches” suggested a shimmering haze with far-off carillons contributing to the lulling atmosphere. Quite apart from the many other virtues shown in Mr Till’s recital, his playing of these Ravel works showed him to be a solo performer

of distinguished eminence A partita by David Farquhar began with a little aria setting forth thematic material for what was to follow in improvisation form in three other movements. The impromptu was quiet and nostalgic, making contrast with the Capriccio which had gay vivacity in sparkling runs and rhythmic verve. The short Epilogue thoughtfully summed up in attractive and intriguing harmonies. Although the suite is short, Mr Farquhar has used a wide variety of technical pianistic resources with confident direction. Mr Till repeated the suite at the end of the concert. This splendid recital ended with Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 3 and Mr Till used a wide range of expression in contrasting its moods of exhilaration and repose. There was a large and highly appreciative audience. —C.F.B.