PADEREWSKI

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 76, 21 June 1927, Page 15

PADEREWSKI

THREE CONCERTS Pede -ewski’s opening concert in the Melbourne Auditorium is thus referred to by the Melbourne “Argus”: “Paderewski honours Melbourne by visiting it, and the city honours itself by honouring him. The huge crowd which filled the Auditorium to overflowing last night for the opening concert was not only a tribute to a prince of pianists —it was also a £>roof of that deep love of music at its best, which sometimes seems to be hidden below the surface, but which makes itself manifest in answer to some specially stirring call. Paderewski occupies a unique place in the world of music. Even 30 years ago it was recognised that in his own sphere he was supreme. For the average man he was the pianist par excellence; his name stood for the witchery of poetical pianism. For many, especially, perhaps, in the Eng-lish-speaking world the association still holds. All this is by no means difficult to understand. Paderewski’s claim rests upon his genius for investing what he plays with the true romantic spirit; he holds the interest of his hearers in a perfectly uncanny manner. It is one of Paderewski’s crowning glories that he makes music mean something. His is not the empty perfection of the mere technician; not for a moment does he sacrifice the spriit for the letter; indeed, he sometimes, with exhilarating results, indulges a fine careless rapture at which a pedant might easily boggle. There are times when Paderewski is a law unto himself; he sometimes uses his mighty left hand for rhythmic and percussion effects without any exaggerated scrupulosity. What gives its charm to thi3 proceeding is the conviction in the mind of the hearer that it springs from that same vitality which is an essential and most welcome element in Paderewski’s entrancing art.” The Auckland season is limited to three recitals in the large Town Hall, on Wednesday, June 29, also July 2 and 4. Box plan arrangements are announced in our advertising columns.