MUSIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 114, 4 August 1927, Page 12

MUSIC

(By

F.1.R.)

Guiseppe Cavallero, famous Italian impresario and director of leading theatres, died in February at Catania, the birthplace of Bellini. He is said to have been the discoverer of both Caruso and Tito Buffo. Miss Margot Macgibbon, who recently visited Auckland as solo violinist with the English contralto, Miss Phyllis Lett, is leaving for London in the near future for the purpose of continuing her studies. Miss Macgibbon is a Melbourne girl. At the recent Bournemouth, England, municipal musical festival the programme for an entire night was provided wholly by the British women composers, Ethel Smyth, Susan SpainDunk, Dorothy Howell, Vivien Lambelet, Dora Bright and Edith Swepstone. Though only 17 years of age, Miss Jean Pollock, a Brisbane girl, has been awarded a fellowship by the Trinity College of Music, London. Miss Pollock has studied the piano for three years at the Sydney Conservatorium, and to gain the degree had to give a most exacting recital programme. Miss Imelda Fama, a Wellington pianist, who on the advice of Benno Moisievitch went abroad to study, spent two years under Marie Prenteur (for 20 years principal assistant to Litchiltchky), and is now under the celebrated Professor Wurcher, of Vienna. Miss Fama, who, by the way, is a sister of Mr. Tano Fama, recently met Backhaus, who, she says, sends his best wishes to the many friends lie made in New Zealand. In connection with the prevailing agitation regarding the effect on music of mechanical reproducing instruments. it is interesting to note that the Society of German Pianoforte Manufacturers is seeking to stem the tide of such devices by offering a number of prizes for the best literary attempts to support amateurs in the playing of the piano. Among the prizes is a Beclistein grand piano. Verdi’s “Aida” was given an out-and-out magnificent performance at Covent Garden last night,” states an English writer. The performance referred to was given on June 3, when, “with the royal grandeur of the music, and a cast that had not a weak spot,” states the critic, “everyone’s heart was warmed.”

Negotiations with Fritz Kreisler’s managers for his appearance at the Boxy Theatre, New York, at an early date at a salary of £2,500 weekly, are virtually completed. It is understood that Evans and Salter, managers for Kreisler, have cabled- the offer to him in Germany. Acceptance by cable Is anticipated within a few days. The salary offered Kreisler tops by £SOO the reported £2.000 paid John Philip Sousa by the Publix organisation. Sousa topped the previous record of £ 1,800 which was paid Paul Whiteman. The Bristol Piano Company has received advice by cable of the death at Maine, U.S.A., of Mr. Frederick T. Steinway, president of the world-famous firm of piano manufacturers, Steinway and Sons. The matter is of interest to the musical public because the long history of the company embraces four generations of the Steinway family. The founder, was Mr. Henry E. Steinway, who was born in February. 1797, and had four sons and one daughter. The deceased president was a direct descendant through Charles Steinway, the third son of the founder.

A New Zealand musician who has just returned from a visit to Australia, states that at Melbourne and Sydney the enthusiasm displayed at Heifetz’s wonderful playing was remarkable. “Barely have I witnessed such public demonstrations as 1 saw at Melbourne and Sydney,” lie said. “Heifetz completely captured and captivated his audiences. He certainly showed in the most convincing manner that he is one «>f the greatest musicians living, and that as a violinist he stands supreme. Though young in years, he is but 26, his art is quite m ature, and his technique is really wonderful. His playing is so graceful, so easy, that all consciousness of difficulties vanish and his art reigns supreme. His intonation is impeccable, and the precision of his unique technique as well as the smoothness, elegance and ease of his marvellous bowing are unsurpassed. New Zealand music-lovers will, I am confident, be roused to enthusiasm when they hear this master-player, who receives valuable assistance from his accompanist, Isidor Achron, who is re- ] - ted t.> the well-known musician and composer, Josef Achron.”

A striking instance of the prophet—or in this case the singer—having no honour in her own land is provided by Miss Eva Turner’s rise to fame in Italian opera 'houses. She is a gifted soprano, but she sang for years in England without anyone particularly noticing her talent.

Mr. Paul Kerby, a young British composer, born in Australia, and recently a resident in the United States, has been elected as the fifth member of the controlling committee of the Salzburg musical festival. The choice is significant in that it was made by the unanimous vote of the other four members of the committee, Richard Strauss, Herr Reinhardt, Herr I-loff-manstlial, and Herr Schalk, who rank respectively as the leading composer, producer, dramatist, and music critic of Vienna.