IGNAZ FRIEDMAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 94, 12 July 1927, Page 17

IGNAZ FRIEDMAN

FAMOUS POLISH PIANIST Music teachers, students and music lovers general y will welcome the announcement of E. J. Carroll that he has arranged with Ignaz Friedman to give three concerts at Auckland in the Town Hall, commencing on Saturday evening next. Friedman gave his first concert in Sydney on June 11 and never in the musical history of that city has an artist made such an impression. Without exception every critic stated that Friedman is the finest pianist ever heard in Australia. His first appearance in Australia recalls the account of the musical critic of the “Imparcial,” Madrid, when the distinguished Polish composer-pianist appeared before the Royal family of Spain. “In the front rows were seated the Royal family and guests; ribbons and decorations gleamed like brilliant constellations. When Friedman seated himself at the piano, there was a great stir of expectation and, accustomed as we were to hearing the greatest pianists, the triumph of a new artist seemed impossible. Nevertheless this marvel became a reality. Hardly had the first note of the Gluck “Ballad” sounded when the hearers in astonishment redoubled their attention, realised with the intuition of the lovers of good music that they were about to be present at the revelation of a genius of the divine art, and such he is. The waltz by Chopin, a study by the same composer and the CampanellSt of Liszt marvellously, played .completely conquered the audience and there was tumultuous applause led by the Queen. It was an absolute and unqualified triumph: it was the consecration of a great artist.” The box plans for the concerts are now open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd. Teachers and students will note the concessions offered as mentioned elsewhere.