SONATA RECITAL

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 89, 12 October 1934, Page 3

SONATA RECITAL

VIOLIN AND PIANOFORTE

Miss Zillah Castle (violin) and Mme. Evelyn de Mauny (pianoforte)' gave at Begg's Hall last evening an interesting and intimate recital consisting of three sonatas. The works selcated were No. 2 in A Major (Op. 100), by Brahms; No. 3, by Delius; and C Sharp Major (Op. 21), by Dohnanyi. Any one of these three numbers rendered by these ladies provided all that could be asked or expected of the virtuoso, and it was rather plucky of Miss Castle to undertake them notwithstanding the ripe experience and sound musicianship of her associate. The Brahms sonata made a strong appeal to the receptive and sympathetic audience. Miss Castle played with freshness and assurance, and secured a warm robust tone. Her partner in this sonata played with authority and evident insight into the significance and character of the work. In striking contrast to the Brahms number was the sonata _ of Delins. This work was announced as given for the first time in New Zealand. • Like so much of what Delius has -written,, the sonata is not necessarily to be understood and fully '"appreciated on a first hearing by the average attendant at chamber music concerts. But Miss Castle and Mine, de Manny did all that could be asked of them to display the charm and wistfuluess of the music, its curious idiom, and surprising changes of key, its joyous moments, and its lovely melodies. But, of course, familiarity with the work is not likely to cheapen it in _ New Zealand, so rare are the opportunities..to hoar it, publicly performed, at any rate. Miss Castle and Mme. de Manny earned the thanks of all sincere' lovers of music for affording one .such opportunity last night. The Dohnanyi sonata made an imposing finish to an enjoyable evening. It was brilliantly played by both - instrumentalists. Miss Castle's bowing ivas clean and certain and she played with much expression, notably so in the final section of the work. Mine, de Manny appeared to be entirely concerned with expounding the beauties of the work, and did so with distinction. Judging by the warmth of the applause at the close of the concert, the efforts of the performers and the rare programme numbers they ■submitted .were greatly appreciated.