VISITING PIANIST

Evening Star, Issue 22448, 19 September 1936, Page 10

VISITING PIANIST

MISS EILEEN JOYCE The visiting pianist, Miss Eileen Joyce, who is under engagement to the National Broadcasting Service, will give a recital in the Town Hall on Monday evening. Miss Joyce .will play ‘ Symphonic Variations ’ (Cesar Franck), accompanied by the 4YA Orchestra of 40 players, conducted by Mr Gil Dcch. According to Vincent D’lndy, the variations stand midway between the ‘ Prelude, Chorale, and Fugue ’ and the ‘ Prelude, Aria, and Finale ’ for pianoforte. He remarks that this work is in continuation and amplification of the form which Beethoven began with such a master hand. The work was first performed at a concert of the Societe .Natfonale do Musique, Paris, on May 1, 1885. The tune which forms the Jiasis of the whole piece falls into several sections, expressing feelings of tenderness, mysticism, and exaltation. The five variations, in which the piano and orchestra cany on a wonderful dialogue of comment upon this theme, are not of the clear-cut variation style, but, as the wood “ symphonic ” implies’, are fairly elaborate (though quite clear), dignified, and of considerable depth of emotional expression. A powerful little phrase is thrown out by the orchestra, the pianoforte answers with a quiet one the two parties discuss the matter for a while, then the time changes to three-in-a-bar, and the strings pluck a portion of the main tune for variations. But the pianoforte interferes, expounds its opening idea further, and brings in the orchestra for still more discussion. All this docs not take long. After a climax the pianoforte gives out tlie tune for variations —a lovely, calm melody. The orchestra joins in, and afterwards come the variations. Miss Joyce will also play ‘Arabesque’ (Schumann), ‘Ballad in G Minor’ (Chopin). Air Wilfred Kershaw (bass) will sing the Prologue from ‘ Pagliacci,’ ■ ‘ In Churchyard ’ (Brahms), and ‘The Blacksmith (Kocnemanac). The 4YA Orchestra will lie heard in ‘ Children’s Overture (Quilter). 1 Tarantelle ’ from ‘London Every Dav Suite ’ (Coates). ‘ Faust ' Ballot Music (Gounod), and 1 ‘Ned Gwyn ’ Dances (German). The accompanist will be Clarice Drake. Special concessions are offered' to students and pupils hooking in parties of five or more. Seats at 3s and 2s can be re-

served at Begg’s without tax or booking fee. The mayor (the Rev. K. T. Oox) has decided to allot a number of seats for the use of unemployed. Applications for these tickets should be made without delay at the Central Depot, above Hannah’s boot shop, in George street.