A FAMOUS VIOLINIST

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12609, 20 November 1926, Page 14

A FAMOUS VIOLINIST

j KREiSLER: 1902 AND 1926 | When Herr Krcisler, tlie famous | violinist, heard that the whole of the seating accommodation for his recital at I the Albert Hall, London, had been dispored of. bis mind reverted to the time when he played to rows of empty seats. “It was in 1902." he said. “For ten rej e.itnls the takings amounted to only ; ■£.*!»" Herr Kreisler confessed that lie did not touch his violins from April to November. He said : “J do not practise for one reason—l hold flint inspiration is tho most valuable attribute of the artist. I do not like to rub off tlie bloom. By practising too much, I feel I lose the novelty and freshness that . axe so essential. My wife helps mo to | choose my programme*, and is one of my most severe critics. There is nothing nn artist needs more than criticism, although I am not lacking in selfcriticism. T consider I am the worst of all the fiddlers." One tlie first to greet Herr Kreisler at his hotel was Mr George Robey. They are great friends. The comedian revealed himself as a maker of violins, j and brought two for Herr Kreisler’s inspection. > • • • •

Wilhelm Backhaus and Percy Grainier. pianists, gave concerts in Melbourne last week. • • • •

Among tjie passengers on the Aorangi, which passed through Auckland this week on the way to Sydney, was Don Carlos Alfonso Zelnya, son of the Zelaya who was for fifteen stormy years President of the Republic of Nicaragua. Don Carlos was once a Nicaraguan soldier, and he goes to Australia under engagement to a theatrical combination. Later he will tour New Zealand.