AN ACCOMPLISHED PIANIST.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1388, 14 March 1912, Page 6

AN ACCOMPLISHED PIANIST.

MR. BAXTER BUCKLEY'S RECITAL. Wellington is fortunate in having secured Mr. Baxter Buckley, pianist, as a resident. Apart from touring virtuosi of pianoforte, the level of the average' pianoiorto soloist, with two or three exceptions, is that of the student—at times the brilliant, student—but Mr. Buckley, after last evening's impressive performance at the Concert Chamber, may be fairly set down to bo of the master class. His programme was nn ambitious one, and apart from the demands made upon the performer's musical capacity, it must have been a considerable physical strain as well. Tho opening number was from Bach—the usually avoided. In that composer's "Fantasia Cromatiqne and Fuga," Mr. Buckley displayed qualities which at once commanded respect and admiration. To play Bach at all -intelligently requires moro than a superficial facility, to play him well demands a full and faultless technical equipment, executive brilliance, and a firm, accurate touch. Mr. Buckley appeared to rovel in the intricacies of tho piece. A "Bourco" by the same composer, and transcribed by Saint-Saens, emphasised the good impression formed of Mr. Buckley as an interpreter of the most difficult of all writers for tho pianoforte. Another great effort was the "Sonata in F Sharp Minor," popular with all advanced students, but rarely, heard -, in complete form. Sir. Buckley's treatment of tho Sonata was masterly in its interpretation of the varying/shades of expression, and changing themes, from the quiet poetic grace of the "adagio," and the song of the "aria," to the merry riot of tho scherzo, and the pomp and dignity of tho.final movement. _ Mr. Buckley received an ovation after his effort, and responded with a pretty "Swedish Dance," by Slnx Bruch. The effect of brillianco appeared to fade a little,in tho "Prelude in G Slinor," of Chopin, , and also, perhaps in the "Etudes," but the "Scherzo in B Minor" (Chopin) was quite delightful. Tho pianist added a graceful Chopin waltz. On his final appearance he played an exquisite niorceau of Moszkowski's, entitled "Etincelles," a fountain of musical' brilliance. Dohler's "Nocturne," a work of much delicacy and charm, was daintily played. Then followed a "Polonaiso" by SlacDowell, nn imposing and highly dramatic number breathing tho patriotic spirit of the "land of the free." This was followed by the same American writer's "Etude do Concert," another florid and melodious number, also encored. Mr. Buckley was assisted by Sli;s M. Carey-Wallace, a. mezzo-contralto, whose voice, though nobgreat in power and volume, is used with intelligence, refinement, and natural charm. Her item, ,Goring Thomas's "A Summer Night," was sung in too low a key, but the interpretation wa,s conspicuously good. Sho al.<-o contributed the monologue, "Johnny, Sic and You," which displayed some gift for character work and" a nico'facility at the piano. Her voice did not carry well enough for all to hear without straining. Sir. Frank Johnstone, 'cellist, played Tartini's "Adagio," and, with excellent tone and effect, Popper's "Ungarischo Rhapsodic" He was assisted at the piano by Mrs Johnstone.