SHURA CHERKASSKY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 486, 16 October 1928, Page 15

SHURA CHERKASSKY

CONCERT ON THURSDAY Marvellous! is the adjective which most correctly exp-resses one’s impressions of Shura Cherkassky, the boy pianist, who is at present in New Zealand. . . , It is quite a mistake to think or speak of Shura Cherkassky as a prodigy. That seems to convey the idea of extraordinary but undeveloped ability. but if one could hear Cherkassky without seeing him one would certainly judge him to be a thoroughly matured artist, long past the stage of boyhood, who combined in himself the peculiar characteristics of many of tho world’s greatest pianists—the tender grace of Carreno, the refinement of Leonard Berwick, the classic dignity of William Backhaus, and the virile energy of tlanrbourg, with his own individuality added. It is very difficult to picture what this wonderful youth will develop into in ano tli er 10 or 12 years, but if lie improves, as lie may be expected to do. he will rank as one of the greatest pianists of the age. Cherkassky’s memorising is wonderful. as will be recognised in his playing of Schumann’s "Carnaval.” In a big sonata, the work is divided into movements, each with its own character. anil definite themes run throughout. With the carnaval music it is different- One sketch flashes past, and something entirely different takes its place, and so on for 20 minutes — no continuity, but a rapid succession of tonep ictures, each distinct from tho others. Schumann’s music has an ardent and devoted student in tho young Russian. . , _ Thero is plenty in the lighter side of his programme to admire and wonder at- Fireworks are provided in tho Schulz-Elver arrzngeme.i ot “The Blue Danube” and Nulla waltzes. The shorter Chopin numbers show how thoroughly the youthful artist understands tne great Polish composer’s idiom. He never descends to banal sentimentalism, and gives us the beauty without making it effeminate, as is too often doneCherkassky's first Auckland concert will be given in the To "' n all Thursday evening, followed by two others 7on Saturday and Tuesday next. “DANCING VIENNA” AT CAPITOL “Dancing Vienna.” a delightful storystarring Eva Mara and Ben Lyon, will be shown this evening at the Capitol Theatre. . A voung girl who is unhappy in her home is loved by a young man whose ideas on music are confined to midnight blarings on the saxophone. She uses waltz tunes to cor\“' her feel“ngs to the young fellow «10 replies in Jazz The girl’s mother has been a music-hall singer, and the youns fellow visits the cabaret where the old-time performer scored her greatest triumphs. It is decided to hold a gala night to help the old proprietor. The father of the young roan, divining the romance which is growing tries to break off the affair. Sop.” starring Pauline Garon IndEddic Burns, is the second feature. Harold SKS “Speedsiff® ot another co ™,fd} > nnounc ed, but it the picture is not yet au futU re prohas been stated that inn s<jund ?riron for voices and surrounding effects.