GERHARD WILLNER

New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 527, 29 July 1949, Page 5

GERHARD WILLNER

Sir,-Allow me to voice an emphatic protest against the remarks of your contributor, "A.B." in reference to the above-named artist, which appeared in an article headed "Mozart for To-day," in The Listener of July 15. Legitimate criticism, from an accepted musical authority, is one thing, but irresponsible nonsense, such as "A.B." writes about Gerhard. Willner’s performances of Mozart’s sonatas, seems out of place as a featured commentary in the official organ of the broadcasting service. Mr. Willner was engaged by the NZBS to-play the entire series of these sonatas because he isan artist of recognised standing, with an international reputation as interpreter of Bach,’ Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann and Brahms-most of ‘whose works he knows by heart. He is the only pianist in New Zealand able, at a moment’s notice; to play from memory the entire series of Beethoven’s 32 and: Mozart’s 18 Sonatas-a feat which, among pre-sent-day’ virtuosi, has been equalled, I believe, by Artur Schnabel alone, between whom and Gerhard Willner there is little .to choose in this connection. ; Such being the case, it savours of sheer impertinence for "A.B." to query Mr. Willner’s capability by alleging that he "monkeys round with the time"-a crude ambiguity, which of itself suffices fully to support "A.B.’s" own admission of limited musical knowledge. Earlier in "A.B.’s" article he says: "Unless one is much more highly educated than I am it is impossible to maintain a series of . quite clearly defined categories in one’s listening .... That is a matter for

the expert." Quite true, Sir. It is also a matter for the musical expert adequately to appraise the executive and cultural status of an artist.s6 eminent as Gerhard Willner. \ Likewise, one has to be much ‘more "highly educated" than "A.B." obyiously is to distinguish between time atid tempo, I suggest that "monkeying with the time" may be a sportive recreation for horologically interested Simians, but it has no apparent connection with. faulty tempo, nor is it, in any. case, a fitting expression to apply to an artist of Gerhard. Willner’s: calibre. gr Set At the moment of. writing, ‘this fine pianist has completed. the first half of the Mozart series, but so. faf’without appropriate recognition in TAe Listener, despite a number of eulogistié.Jetters from a wide radio audience which fully vindicates the wisdom of the NZBS in engaging such a superb exponent.

L. D.

AUSTIN

(Wellington).