A CLEVER VIOLINIST

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2694, 14 February 1916, Page 8

A CLEVER VIOLINIST

HAYDN BECK AT THE TOWN HALL A large audience assembled at tlie Town Hall last evening to l)e charmed with the playins of Mr. Haydn Bcck, the git'ted AVansanui violinist, who, since he was Inst heard in Wellington, lias studied under the eye of Cesar T'ljoinson, of the Brussels Conservatoire. Tho .youiiß New Zealaiuler lias profited immensely by his Continental experience. His hie tone, backed by a line nei",'ous strength and plenty of confidence, satisfied all ears in the laveo hall. The programme opened with the Ernst Concerto, the demands of which established the youth's claim to artistic oxcollence. A most interesting bracket, which followed, was Bach's "Prelude and Allegro" (arranged by Kroislcr), tho "Prize Song," from Wagner's "Jleistcrsingers," and Kreisler's bizarre "Chinese Dance." Mr. Beck also played Dvorak's "Himiores<iue," and was fully equal to the difficulties of Sarasate's "Zigeunweisen." Master Harold Beck, the violinist's small brother, showed splendid promise as a 'cellist. Ho lias a nice store of sympathy in his tone, which, if somewhat thin, is always true to pitch. He played .Squire's "Consolation," and 'Popper's "Gavotte." The Becks were assisted by Miss Miriam llussell, a contralto, who sang Frances Allitzen's "There's a Land," and "Somewhere a Voice is Calling," and Mr. Abel Bowc, a vibrant tenor, who sang "Good Night. Beloved," and "I'll Sing Thee Songs of Arab.y." Tlie nianagement were fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Frank Crowther as accompanist. He had a big night's work, and acquitted himself " like an artist.