VARIETY OF EXPRESSION

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31082, 10 June 1966, Page 5

VARIETY OF EXPRESSION

Trio Plays Dvorak

Messrs Karel Pribyl, violinist, and Zdenek Konicek, ’cellist, members of the Prague Quartet of the University of Canterbury, were joined by Mr Maurice Till in the University Hall yesterday afternoon for a performance of Dvorak's Trio, Op. 90—the “Dumky.” It is based on a particular Czech folk dance from which the trio takes its name. The work is rich in romantic colouring. Its long, beautifully moulded phrases call for sensitively expressive playing —and got it in abundance. The players were splendidly matched and each gave wide variety of expression within the narrow limits the work calls for. There were no fireworks at all. but every moment held its interest and gave delight to a capacity audience. After the arresting opening chords from the piano and the reflective beginning by the ’cello and then the violin, there came vivid happiness of rustic festivity which alternated throughout the movement with strains of romantic remembrance.

The contrasting sections were played with most appealing timbres which seemed to glow in the hall. Pianissimo but gently vibrant singing tone seemed to float ail around. The balance was splendid, and the nuances from all instruments brought forth effects of changing highlights and shadows. The mood of gentle recollection was continued in the andante moderate section with rippling sounds played in complete rapport. The allegro, subdued though it was in atmosphere for the most part, had a merry twirl and the finale spoke of the mellow countryside, the background and inspiration of all this charming music.