N.Z. CHAMBER MUSIC

New Zealand Listener, Volume 25, Issue 650, 14 December 1951, Page 21

N.Z. CHAMBER MUSIC

bassoon, by Dr. H. J. Finlay, broadcast recently by YC stations, reminds me again how much we have lost in the death of this composer. When he took seriously and strenuously to composition he was mature enough to know what he wanted to say on his own account. His mind, which had shown acute intelligence in several other fields, quickly applied itself to this one, and the few chamber music works I have heard have a sure touch, They have also a definite individuality. One would know in a few bars that this trio is by the composer of the sonata for clarinet and piano which was broadcast last year from Wellington by Ken Wilson and Ida Carless. The manner of writing is economical, and its very precision seems to throw into relief the tenderly romantic mood which often prevails, and the little flurries of humour, Dr. Finlay’s broadcast works have had excellent performers. Besides Ken Wilson and Ida Carless, there have been Francis Rosner, James Hopkinson, Eric Lawson and Shirley Craig to play combinations for other ensembles. Equally sympathetic is the playing in this last trio by two clarinets and bassoon from the New South Wales Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Finlay has made original and entertaining use of an intriguing blend of instruments which could not often be assembled locally, and the recording is good. The YC stations have been playing the record a second time within the same week, giving many of us an opportunity of hearing it perhaps three or four times, always in a_ suitable setting. One cannot pretend that enough is done on the air for New Zealand composers. The Australian Broadcasting Commission, for instance, defines a proportion of total radio time which must be given to Australian .composers. But the very pleasant handling of Dr. Finlay’s trio by the YC stations makes one hope that development can proceed informally along these lines. _ BE oe trio for two clarinets and

Nanook