MAURICE CLARE RECITAL

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 71, 27 May 1953, Page 3

MAURICE CLARE RECITAL

ENTHUSIASTIC TAUPO AUDIENCE Members of the Taupo Branch of the Community Arts Service and their friends, numbering nearly a hundred, were very grateful to Dr and Mrs W. H. Thomas, whose home made a delightful s,etting for the Reeital by Maurice Clare, the English violinist, and F rederick Pa ge, pianist, on Thursday night. The music was thoroughly enjoyed in comfortable and cosy surroundings, the atmosphere of which was enhanced by a softly ditfused light and Mrs Thomas' beautiful piano was heard to great advantage under the fiands of that fine artist, Mr Page. The programme opened with a vigorous Sonata by Handel, the flowing melodies of which were tossed froni instrument to instrument with graceful effect. Mr Clare's violin- repated to be a Guarnarius ^discov.ered"' by him in Hamilton, was cbviousfy f ealing the effeets of his "Winterreise" in this first number, fout it soon thawed out and in the Beethoven Sonata .("The (Spring") the enchanting first movement with its sprightly freshness was deliciously played by both artists. Springtime was temporarily | clouded over during the more sombre mood of the Andante but a sparkling* Scherzo soon led back to a truly springlik© : last movement f ull of j gaiety andjoy. This movement is often played as a separate number. j The first half of the reeital end.ed with a Sonata in G Minor by Schubert. Many phrases iii the first movement delightfiiily recalled this composers great song 4tThe Erl King" and the Andante was a gem of pure melody. After a short interval Mf Clare played five numbers, three of which were enjoyed for their familiarity as well. as their excellent performance. Mr Page's spirited accompaniment added a fuli-biooded flavour to De Fallas "Spanish Dance" and both ar- ! fcists gave a iively performance of | ihe 4Russian Dance" from Stravinski's Ballet "Petrouehka." Here was virtuosity indeed, expressipg the colour and movement oi a brilliant orchestrai score, Perhaps the most popular item was the Meditation from Massentet's romantic opera "Thais": this was a Iovely performance. A noeturne from Faure's incidentai music to a phy, #Shylock," brought to mind a picturc of the young lovers, Lorenzo and Jessica, exohanging their vows under the sweet and tender light of the moon. An arrangement, possibly Kreisler's, of ihe well-loved Cradle Song by Schubert, clos.ed the programme. Continued applause from the enthusiastic audience could not induce the artists fco feappear. . The C.A.S. Committee were indebted to the following iadies who acted as hostesses:— nMrs Howard Thomas, Mrs Wa H. Kent, Mrs J. R. Osborne, and Mrs D. A. Richards. — D.M.C.