M. JEAN GERARDY'S REOITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 182, 13 August 1901, Page 2

M. JEAN GERARDY'S REOITAL.

I Nothing could have demonstrated more plainly the development of ausioal culture in New Plymouth and the surrounding district than the presence of such an audience as that whiuh assembled at the Theatre Royal on Monday evening to listen to the renowned Belgian Violoncellist M.Jean Gerardy. It is a pleasure to record that the competent parts of the gathering which 'led the building were such as rarely, it' ever, Lave been attracted to an entertainment carried out entirely by tiro instrumentalist*, and though M. Gerardy has played to many vastly larger houses, it can safely be said that considering the size of the town the celebrated 'cellist has nowhere had a more representative audience than tbat which greeted his first appearanoe at New Plymouth. M. Gerardy was well revived oa making his bow to the public, but before commencing the opening number, Haydn's Concerto in D Major, he patiently wai'ed for perfect silence. Wfcen this' was socured the sweet opening notes of the Adagio were heard leading tip to a joyous melody, the marvellous eflfe-t of the deep bass notes creating an immense impression. In the Allegro which followed the executant's marvellous technique was demonstrated to perfection, the . organ life effect produced by double stopping being a revelation to most amtteurs. Loud and cmtinuous applause was bestowed en the player at the conclusion of this number, but though twici bowing acknowledgment M. Gerardy did not; give an encore. The second item chosen was " Variations oa a theme of Schubert " entitled "Le Desir," by F. Servais. This was a real gem, commencing with a full rich melody followed by variations replete with beautiful changes, At times the plaintive suppliant tones rang out wi'h dramatic force, then a joyful response would fill the air with grand orchestral tones, the final being a magnificent exhibition of artistio skill, and sympathetic rendering. This fairly roused the audience, whose applause was spontaneously hearty and prolonged, and M. Gerardy was moved to/give e|l an encore the entrancing Abenlied of Sohumann's, eo quaintly simple, and overflowing with beautiful d«amy melody. This piece was loudly applauded, and .fitly closed the first portion of the entertainment. During the interval, M. Laurenoj Phillips save a pianoforte recital, playing an 'Etude (Mendelssohn) with remarkable brilliaacy and go*d taste, and receiving herty rpplau»\ The reoond pari c jmmenoed with an Aria from the Sute in D (Bach.) In this item the audience were introduced to more marvellous found productions. The aria was full of expression, while the long drawn notig weie bath grand ia their fullness and sweetly Boft in almost whispering tones. Nothing could be in greater contract with this choice item than the Spinnlied (D. Popper) which followed, but it serve Ito show the lightninglike rapidi y of execution which the virtu so- posieese?, and the quaint finish of the pieoe was most i fld.tiv.-ly rendered. Another outburst of applause broke forth, and the audience would take no denial, so M. Gerardy -'gain favoured with an enoore, playing " La Ji une Mere " (Schubert), in whicn at time* it almost seemed as if a mellow tooed flageolet were b ing played. M, Lawrence Pnillips then played one of Lisz 's Rhapsodies (No. U), and ao< quitted h>mg.lf so brilliantly that there was a loud and general demand for an enoore, in response to which the aocomp'ished artist gave an nqiMls rendering of Wedor*a Valse BrilliaoU." M. Gerardy had reserved for the final number what was the ohoioest md daintiest piece on the programme—■he Baoh-Gounod Mrdita'ion, than which nothing mora b<tau'iful oan ha imagined. Had the performer played but this piece many present would have felt content. To describe it in words U impossibly but to hi>ar it played wig the of acme pleasure. A' lively, tunaful Taran'elle(D.Pepper) followed, iind this also was a great treat, the dainty tripping measure being now and ■g«in set off with chords of intense richness and qimintnwfl, while the finale was a masterpiece of execuiv* •skill. Needless to say the audienoe »ere thoroughly rous<d to the highest pitch of enthusiasm by this time, and the walls fairly rang again with the iipplause. As a final encore M. Gerardy played a serenade by Hans Sitt with tebd rness and softness whioh evoked a grand burst of parting applause from the audience. TO-NIGHT. Having consented, hyspecial request, t> give a farewell performance this evening M. Gerardy intends to present an entirely fresh programme, and anrthrr record atten lanos should be made. Tae rental will commence ai 7 45.