Word Eating

New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 945, 20 September 1957, Page 27

Word Eating

MY title is perhaps a little strong for what I am about to do. It may be recalled that last year, I had harsh things to say of the New Zealand Music Society’s programmes from London, compéred by Andrew Gold. My feelings then were that it was a mistake in this day and age to ask our gifted compatriots to play and sing old chestnuts that exist definitely on records, of appear in every concert programme; I asked, therefore, for works interesting in themselves that one would want to hear, and in particular, for works by New Zealand composers, The present series offers both: ny compliments to Mr Gold and to his artists. Last week, for example, Guy Henderson (oboe) and Shirley Carter (piano) expertly played a sonata for these instruments by Hindemith, and this was followed by Gordon Watson playing a piano sonata by Edwin Carr, of .Auckland. This seems to me the most interesting work by a New Zealand composer to be heard for some time on our radio, Mr Watson showed every sign of understanding what was required of him, from the maestoso first movement, laid out in what seemed to be a Brahmsian style, to the poignant variations of the second, and the vivacity of the third. Mr Carr has clearly an excellent technique of writing for the piano, and a most compelling and powerful musical imagination. And in case that sounds too pompous, or knowledgeable, let. me say that I look forward with eagerness to hearing it again, as soon as possible,