KNOW YOUR CLASSICS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 19, Issue 473, 16 July 1948, Page 11

KNOW YOUR CLASSICS

‘THIS series of articles, written for "The Listener" by

BESSIE

POLLARD

is designed to help the student and the interested

listener towards a more complete appreciation of good music, Each _article deals in outline with one accepted masterpiece and illustrates its. main themes.

(2) Violin Concerto by William Walton ‘TASCHA HEIFETZ commissioned William Walton to write for him a Violin Concerto which was to be reserved for the virtyoso’s own exclusive use for two years. It was performed for the first time at Cleveland, Ohio, on December 7, 1939, under Artur Rodzinski. The first movement is the slowest in tempo of the three; it is cast in a very modified sonata form. The main subject of the movement is really a composite one-below the solo violin, the bassoon gives out a most important counter theme: nn,

Announced by the orchestra, the second subject is simple, melodically and rhythmically:

e The second movement is a brilliant Scherzo and Trio; its opening theme requires dazzling virtuosity from both orchestra and soloist. The almost Viennese waltz cast of the second subject is a perfect foil to the first:

The Trio section is slower-its main melody is announced first by horn, and then is taken over by the soloist:

The glittering Scherzo then returns, with some slight readjustments. Although the Finale is expanded to take within its stride a long reference to the main theme of the first movement (and a Cadenza that evolves from it), nevertheless one is conscious throughout of Walton’s economy with his thematic material, and views with admiration its skilful manipulation, Two themes which dominate this Finale are sharply contrasted; here is the first, heard in the bassoons, ’cellos and basses;

The second subject, rhapsodic in character, is accompanied by horns and harp:

The inclusion of the theme from the opening movement, ensures that fine unity which is evident throughout the Concerto. . WILLIAM’ WALTON’S "CONCERTO FOR VIOLIN AND ORCHESTRA" will be heard from Station 1YX at 9.0 p.m. on TUESDAY, JULY 20.