ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2409, 26 January 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THU IOBMMAVSKtti

The' 'brothers Chorniavski have been variously ‘called bridli-ant musicians, wonderful players, and musical prodigies, and each in. turn has been described as -a genius, and it is certain beyond ; question that, notwithstanding the extravagance of these phrases, the audience which attended the recital in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening .agreed tthat they were in every respect justifiable, ‘it. eon safely _bo assorted that never before lias Gisßorn© been visited by a trio of such talented artists as the Cherliiavskis and, it - is safe to add. it will be a considerable time before such a notable event will occur again. It is not only that the brothers are great players, but their . extreme .youthfulness-—their respective arc:-: are hut 17, 15, and 12—and their charming manner lend a grace to their performances that serves to accentuate their acknowledged abilities, it is difficult to draw a comparison between the brothers, for the difference in their ages is a factor that in any comparison must necessarily be taken into consideration. Yet if here be any question of individual merit —and, however objectionable comparisons may be, it is a question that arises in the mind- or most people—the verdict would probably fall in favor of the eldest brother, 1 Leo. It is not- precise!./ that bis musical knowledge is g eater than that of his brothers, or that his execution is more brilliant or clover, but his added years hare • ivon him the opportunity to acquire a completetechnique and to devi : op a more mature temperament -an I "one of the most refined quality, if is interpretation of bis numbers last evening was unsurpassable, -and the breadth of his treatment, the richness of his tone, -his marvellous execution and. above all, his wonderful infusion into his music of that indefinable something culled “sou!,’’ appealed to the audience with irresistible force. Leo’s first solo was Chopin’s “Nocturne,” and it was treated with a delicacy and sympathy such as can come only from -a virtuoso. His second number, Wieniawskrs “iSouvouir de Moscow,” was distinguished by a remarkable clearness and purity oi tone, and the violinist’s double stepping was something to marvel at. An au encore —it may be said hero, that every number was re-demand ml —he played an old French minuet. This was also -tlhoro-ur-hly delightful, end raised a furore- of applause. Those, who. on Saturday night, heard •J n. the pianist of the family party, play must have be< u charmed with his performance, but; they could not hat e realise ! what an artist the lmy is until they hoard him play Chopin's “Berceuse” last- evening. His touch was delicate aid ids expression m-ir-velloimV tend w, ■aid he appeared to caress the k. vs lather than -strike them. In the rapid dazzling passages his touch brightened, yet his fingers ever moved over the keyboard as if he were fondling his instrument. His second number, a mazurka by Godard, was of a totally different character, and was one calling for vigorou.s expression, yet- the pianist played j it- with a power and force nothing i less than -wonderful in one so youth- j fill. Madame Carreno is .said to be • tiie most strenuous pianist living. . but never during her New Zealand j tour *iu 1907 did she show a super hr-! ity in music calling for -powerful treatment over .Jan Cherniavski. . The encore -solo was a “Valse” by-' Chopin, played with a grace and dignity that spoke of the artist’s insight into the spirit with which the greatcomposer imbued his works. Taking the matter of age into consideration. Misclicl. the ‘cellist, and the youngest boy. showed himself last evening to he possessed of a musical talent remark- . able in one of such tender years. With an instrument very little smaller than himself he produces such music as has not been heard since Jean Gerardy was last in the Dominion. His tone is round, full, and clear, and there is-a sweetness that stirs the very heartstrings of Ids audience. His technique is well nigh perfect, and his interpretation of his soli was distinctly meritorious. His ( extreme delicacy and grace, combined with his youth, appealed to those present-, .and it was in no uncertain manner they demanded another so'leo- ( tion. This, in the shape of V. Her- : bort’s “iSerenade,” was given, and it- was with reluctance that the audience let the artist free. Three trios were given during the evening, and, it is perhaps needless to add, tlie.-e . were not the least enjoyable items. They sewed to demonstrate the wonderful sympathy existing bet ween the brothers, .and to give the audience some insight- into the beauty of compositions written .by master hands and interpreted by the most capable exponents. The trios consisted of two compositions of -Grieg, “Peer Gynt” and “Norwegian (Dance,” and a “Nocturne” by Widor, and to those, of course, were added two encore pieces. Madame Marie Hootton was in good voice, and sang “Still W ie die Naeht” (13oh-m),. and an old Devonslire song, “Jan’s Courtship.” Her response to .recalls she contributed an .ancieut- -English song “Good-morrow, Gossip Jane,’’ and “The .Bailill's Daughter” (Old English). Mr Percival Driver was heard to advantage m Aylward’s “The Gong of the Bow.' and lie sang, as an encore. “To -V"tlieia'' (Madden). The aocompamincuts iior his ‘brothers were dcdigi*tfullv played by Jan .Cherniavskt, and the 1 other accompaniments were played by Mr. Driver and Mr. L. Brans- _ combe. ... , Tho final per forma nee- will be this evening, when there will be a change of programme. j

J. C. WILLIAMSON. To-morrow night Mr. J. C. Milliam«on'.s Star Dramatic Company will inaugurate its Gisborne season, with 'the prod notion of the wonderfully successful drama.. "The Thief.” The artists selected lor this important production constitute an excellent combination. The play itself is described as a powerful and virile modern drama of absorbing and enthralling interest, and one that created a ■ profound sensation recently throughout Australia ...ami in Wellington. Mr George Titheradge will make a reappearance after a long absenco. spentin London and New York. Miss Ola ;Humphrey, the leading lady of. the new company, is a great favorite with New Zealand audiences. “The [best romantic actor of the day” is the verdict of leading contemporaries upon Mr. licnry Kolker, a distin-

' guished and brilliant artist. Others of .the company whose names rank | high in their profession are Miss j Susie Vaughan, Mr. Cyril Mackay, j Mr. Dion Titheradge, Mr. Sydney Stirling. Mr. Henry Overton, Mr. .John Bruce and Mr, 'Richard. Short 1 , a ml. The . second .production of the season willlie ‘‘Zira,” another remarkable play, and on Friday the season will conclude with a revival of “The Village Priest.” All productions are under the direction of Mr. J. W. Hazlitt. Box plans are now open for the performances at Mr. W. Miller's.