THE CHERNIAVSKYS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 234, 28 June 1921, Page 7

THE CHERNIAVSKYS

FASCINATING INSTRUMENTAL TRIO Whilst the Russian Empire has been doing its best to shake the social stability of tho world, Russian art-through its composers, Its musicians, and its dancers —has been assiduously at work enthralling tlie artistic world with that something new that ever and anon comes cut 01 the East. In musical performance especially have they triumphed by the aid of such artistic giants as Elman, Moiseiwitseh. Gabrilowitz, Moskowsky, Heifetz Levitzki, and others, who have swarmed over the western world and America to win national applause by tho sheer for® o , of their irresistible genius. In a very high degree the Oherniavsky trio, who reappeared at the Grand Opera House last evening, after a world tour, contribute to their distracted country a inpaical glory, for these brothers have that within them which graces and enhances tho music of the masters. With their earnestness, technical skill, extreme delicate finish, and that rare Slavonic flair which they radi*te, they give performances that never fail to evoke marked enthusiasm. Last evening was no exception to the rule. The flight of years has served only to polish their advanced technical resources without in the least damping their deep-seated ardour and.intensity. They opened the programme with the famous "Dumka” trio of Dvorak, a deservedly popular number at all chamber concerts in Europe, and which includes a rango of delightful inter-: woven melodies, crystal clear in outline, gay and grave by turn. Of the gravd music a solemn chant, most impressively harmonised for 'cello and violin, was well played, whilst tho several dance movements and final scherzo were played with compelling vivacity. Mischel Cberniavsky, the 'cellist of the trio, has lost none of his power to charm. His rich sonorous sympathetic tone filled the Mg theatre easily, and still he could attune his bow to the most delicate harmonics, of cameo clarity. He played with nervy strength and mastery Boellmann’s "Variations Symphonique,” an arduous work calling for physical as well aa emotional power, woven round a motif of compelling beauty As an encore he played Subzer’s "Summer Night." Jan Chernlavsky was heard in a Chopin bracket, which showed a deeper art .and more delicate brilliancy in execution than wo remember in this player. It was a sheer delight to hear this artist play the lovely "Fantasia in F Minor," its jewellery of poetry and romance set as only Chopin could set it—ravishing in its fancy, and always a spur to the imagination. Then followed a Mazurka, played with the "Russian devil” in it—as only a Russian (Tould play it. The "Blacksmith 1 ’ Prelude. with its punishing work for the left hand, was q, forceful display of nianistic dynamics. Tho bracket, stirred Mie audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm. As an encore, in cool relief. Jan Oherniavsky played with a butterfly touch, the charming "Vnlse in G Flc.t." nnd another short “Prelude”—tho ripple of sunlit waters. The violinist, of the trio is Leo Oherniavsky, who appeals as much to the heart as to the mind, and whose work is always chaste and delicate. He played the Kreisler setting of Tartini’s "Devil’s Trill.” It Is said that Tartini dreamed a dream in whjch the devil became his slave. He asked His Satanic Majesty if he could play the violin, and tho evil one said that ho believed he could pick out a tune. ThereUTlon ho played a sonata., the like of which Tartini had never heard. Oi> waking he attempted to Bet it doifrn formally. nnd the “Trill’’ was the result. It is a famous test piece with good vioand requires surpassing skill to elaborate its whirl of intricate trills and barbaric measures. Two bars before the end a string snapped, marring slightly the conclusion of a brilliant performance. Tho damage having been re paired, the violinist played the Krcislei sotting of Chaminade’s "Rpanlsh Sercn n-de,’’ the Beotlioven-Auor “Turk’sh Dance.” nnd n, Boccherini “Rondino.” The trio finally played tho bizarro "Romance Oriental” (Rimsky-Korsakoff), Bofsdeffre’s "At the Stream," and. as an encore, n lovely old minuet of Boccherini’s, redo; lent of lavender nnd old laco. Mr, Alex’. Cherny made a highly efficient accompanist. The next concert will bo given at tho Opera House to-morrow evening.