FAMOUS VIOLINIST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 921, 14 March 1930, Page 14

FAMOUS VIOLINIST

MR. JOHN DUNN’S RECITAL T The famous English violinist, Mr. John Dunn, gave his second Auckland recital in the Town Hall last evening He was assisted by Miss Sarah Stacpole, soprano. ~ -T* l © piece of greatest importance on the programme was Tschaikowsky’s Concerto m D,” the only concerto for the violin which Tschaikowsky wrote. The music suited Mr. Dunn’s cool but vigorous bowing and the lovely andante second movement was made magnificent the quiet restrain of the playing. Tiie first movement had been disappointing, but the second more V 1?. 11 ™ a< ? e up for il and the final was delightful.

If the programme note is to be believed and the devil did appear in a “Twn» “ and play to him the Devils Trill Sonata it only proves that the devil is more of a. technician than a musician. Mr. Dunn has been praised in Europe for his execution of this extraordinarily difficult piece, but it appears to have more value qj-s a technical exercise than as a piece of music, it was interesting to listen to, but not impressive as music.

„ Mr i* P. unn J s Peculiarly English style was better demonstrated in the shorter pieces than in either the sonata or the concerto. His unimpassioned, detached precision was refreshing after a e ra ther hot-blooded playing of The Austrian and Russian violinists who have toured New Zealand in the last fc -v years. The contrast was particularly plain in the Schubert “Ave Maria " which, when Heifitz played it, took on a warmth and colour unsuitable to the music. Mr. Dunn let the music stand by itself and the result was charming. Again, in a Brahms’s waltz, an encore, he played quietly and restrainedly and gave the music an entirelv new air—an air of freshness and purity. One would have liked to have more of Brahms from Mr. Dunn Miss Sarah Stacpole sang Puccini’s Beloved Daddy,” and the Vaise Song from “Romeo and Juliet” and two engores. The first of the encores, “Dressed in Your Gown of 8 . lu ® Brocade,” was her best number of the evening. Her voice was suited to the music and gave delightful expression to a pleasant little song. Her phrasing in the Vaise Song and in the encore, “Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye,” was excellent.

The accompaniments throughout the evening were played by 'Mr. Cvril Towsey.