MUSIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 582, 7 February 1929, Page 16

MUSIC

(By

Maurice Ravel has received tlie honorary degree of Doctor of Music at the University of Oxford.

Dinon Chiapponi, the Italian conductor, died suddenly while conducting a recent concert in Parma.

Strauss's “Egyptian Helen,” at its New York Metropolitan premiere, did not enthuse the critics, who granting Strauss's craftsmanship, felt that he now falls short of his best work. Pachmann Again M. Vladimir de Pachmann did a handsome service to the cause of opera in London by giving a Chopin recital at the Coliseum in aid of the funds of the Imperial League of Opera. The veteran pianist—he is 80 —was in good spirits, and with the section of the audience who were seated on the stage he discussed freely concerning the pieces he played. To begin with, the lights were not right for him, and he made picturesque representations to the attendants in the. wings. The audience were charmed by his delicate playing. The programme included the rarely-heard Scherzo in E. * * * A Coming Attraction A most interesting musical attraction for the 1929 season will be the visit of Constance and Margaret Izard, instrumentalists of high repute. Wonderful receptions have been accorded throughout their tour of Canada, so that it was imperative that a return visit should be paid. At the moment, these artists are engaged upon this repeat tour, and immediately it is finished will come direct to New Zea land. On the Continent the warmest welcome was given to their artistio work, which is described as being of the highest order. A special feature of their programmes will be the unaccompanied duets for violin and cello, upon which the critics in Great Britain have lavished great, praise.

Mascagni Bombarded When Pierto Mascagni conducted his "Piccolo Marat” in Paris recently, the singers on the stage were bombarded with pamphlets directed against Fascism and Mascagni for his connection with the party. Several of the broadsides described Mascagni as a buffoon and a “servant of Fascism.” Great excitement prevailed in the audience, some voicing loud protests and others applauding the composer so enthusiastically that he was compelled to appear on the stage several times after the end of the act.