ORGAN RECITAL

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2433, 12 April 1915, Page 8

ORGAN RECITAL

The programme submitted by Mr. Bernard F. Page on Saturday was made up .with compositions that have been played by him at previous recitals, and included several established favourites. Mr. Page realises that the complexity of certain compositions makes repetition imperatively necessary for even the tutored ones. The Prelude, Act 111, from Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde," which Mr. Page played on Saturday night from his own transcription, is a case in point. Despite the excellent aesthetic annotations, tho extraordinary lachrymose element and dramatic intensity of the passion it so forcefully expresses are not easily grasped or usually enjoyed when first heard. The appreciation of such music is principally a matter of temperament or custom. The Pastorale by Cesar Franck belongs to a different class. It emanates from a mind that must have been absolutely untroubled. The melody is one to doto over. It is so simple, yet so entrancing ; in every sense a- beautiful piece of music. There is always grace and charm in Mr. Page's interpretation. "Harmonies du Soir," by Karg Elort, the Colossus of modern composers for the organ, is another great favourite with the public. More than usually beautiful is Rhapsodie No. 3, founded on old Breton airs. Mr. Page' gave a- musicianly and scholastic rendition of Bach's "Fantasia- and Fugue" in A minor and Schumann's "Fugue in the Name of Bach." These works have much in common.' They are exceedingly difficult and fine, especially tho contrapuntal forms used by Schumann. Mr. Page's playing of Bach's music is distinctive and refreshing. Dexterous registration projects the entries of tho various voices which are happily bleudet'. ivith an extensive colouring.' The episodes are attacked with freedom and boldness. The •undulations especially in the growing climax are wonderfully sustained. The Sonata in D minor-by Faulkes was also included'in tho programme. Tho next recital will be held on-April 24."