Warm And Songful Playing In Sonatas

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31117, 21 July 1966, Page 16

Warm And Songful Playing In Sonatas

In their recital In the Civic Theatre last evening Mr Henri Temianka and Mr Maurice Till gave us three of Beethoven’s Sonatas for Violin and Piano.

Mr Temianka’s warm and vibrantly singing tone was heard in quiet serenity in the first movement of Sonata No. 6 in A major, and the elegant filigree melodies passed to and fro between violin and piano in a dialogue of perfect accord. There was a most attractively persuasive mellow quality of tone used by both players in this and in the meditative singing of the second movement No fireworks were in evidence; artistic feeling and insight charmed completely by themselves. The finale brought a sunny sparkle in its variations deftly wrought around its flowing theme. Both performers showed a vitally rhythmic grip, and in their phrasing, and niceties of expression were completely of one mind. The next sonata was No. 10 in G major. Here again the romance of the work was expressed with a generous warmth of feeling and with meticulous regard for finely polished detail; and the first movement flowed with pellucid clarity and with embracing welcome. The second movement—consolatory and deeply reflective in character—was superbly

played with melting tonal qualities. Every phrase was moulded and finished with imimmaculate taste. The scherzo had a liveliness and good humour whose freshness and elan captured the imagination. The finale was a set of variations casting glances indicating an overflowing sympathy and lyrical appreciation. This most worthy and enjoyable programme was crowned with a stirringly brilliant performance of Sonata No. 9 in A—the "Kreutzer." The introduction was played with poised serenity, and the first subject dashed off with coruscating brilliance and superb clarity. At every level of tone the balance in colour, mood, and intensity was beyond question; and every note had vibrant vitality carrying right through the theatre. Although every phrase, heard from the two artists in this programme, gave delight and held full attention, their playing of the glorious slow movement of this sonata will remain a golden memory. It would be hard to imagine a violinist producing such a flow of lovely effects with less apparent effort than Mr Temlanaka seems to exert. He has a control of his bow that is quite amazing. The last movement had scintillating dash, and a sparkle as of a wine of the best vintage. —C.F.B.