Gordon Short tells readers something of The Melodies of Brahms

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 20, 27 November 1931, Page 1

Gordon Short tells readers something of The Melodies of Brahms

~.. . "It was anew idea to write a set of waltzes as pianoforte duet and then surround them with a vocal quartet as obbligato. Their rhythm and melodiousness give them

a frequent place on concert programmes abroad, and they have probably done much to popularise Brahms in providing a stepping-stone to an appreciation of his more serious works. . 2 A feature of next Monday evening's programme from 2YA will be the presentation of three of these beautiful "Love Song" waltzes of Brahms'’s.

HE music of Brahms, the last of the great , . line of German composers, has often been criticised as being too austere, obscure and lacking in sweet melody. A few of his works, however, possess stich elements of immediate appeal that the frequent performance of them borders on the hackneyed. Who does not know, and immediately respond to the melody and strong rhythm of his orchestral Hungarian dances? In how mary . different forms has one heard his much-beloved waltz in "A" flat. with its haunting sweetness? His songs, "Sapphic Ode," "Cradic Song," and his children’s song, "The Little Dustman," rival some of the well-known drawing-room ballads for

popularity. Of such a type of, melody are the "Love Song" waltzes. They suggest the typical Viennese waltz of sentimenta' sweetness. It was a new idea to write a set of waltzes as pianoforte duet and then’ surround ‘them with a voca! quartet as obbligato. Their rhythm and melodiousness them a frequent place on concert. programmes abroad, d they have probably done much to popularise Brahms in providing a stepping-stone to an appreciation of his more serious compositions. It has been stated that the two sets ‘of these waltzes were among the first things that made for Brahms’s real popularity with the English public, and since the date of the second set this has never declined. In recent years the love for Brahms’s works has grown in England to such an extent’ that once a fortnight a special pro gramme of Brahms’s works at the celebrated Promenade concerts regularly draws crowded houses. Brahms’s, own; love of crystal-clear Schubertiai: melody is shown. in ‘his pianoforte arrangement, much \ played, of an old-world ‘gavotte from an opera by the early Gluck, a melody of exquisite simplicity. He is also said to have confessed that he would dearly love to have been the composer of the "Blue Danube" waltz. Upon hearine that the Viennese ‘critic. Hanslick. had written

that his works lacked melody he wrote the now well-known set of waltzes for piano duet recently broadcast from 2YA, to which belongs the much-heard-waltz.in-"A" flat, to. show: that he, too, could write

with the same sweet simple melodiousness of Schubert if ‘he so wished. It is possible that the great popularity of these waltzes gave him the idea of writing some more with an obbligato of four voices. The addition of the voices lends further colour and richness of harmony. Several of these numbers will be played on Monday evening next by Mrs. Cimino and myself, and the vocal quartet will be supplied ‘by Mrs. Amy Woodward, Mrs. Wilfred Andrews, Ray Trewern and Keith Grant. * * * And now for a few words about Gordon Short himself. He was born and educated in South Australia, and it would appear that he was born

with music in his soul, tor, at the age of eleven years, he made his first public appearance before an audience of 1000 concert patrons. This was the beginning of what was destined to be a distinguished musical career. His next achievement was to win a scholarship open to pianoforte students throughout the State, entitling him to four years’ training at the Elder Conservatorium, which is affiliated. with the University. O well did he use this great opportunity that he became the youngest holder of the diploma of Associate in Music of the Adelaide University. Thereafter, Mr. Short became one of South Australia’s busiest pianists, being called upon to fill innumerable engagements in all parts of the State, including a number of appearances with orchestras of high standing.

But the young musician was not satisfied with his attainments, aud several years before the War went to Europe to continue his studies. His star was in.the ascendant, for he had (Concluded on page 30.)

The Melodies of Brahms (Continued from page 1.)

the good fortune to become a pupil of Teresa Carreno, then acknowledged by Continental critics as the greatest living woman pianist. Many music lovers still remember Carreno’s triumphant tours through New Zealand, though it is many years since she gave her farewell recital in this Dominion. Mr. Short was also privileged to attend the artists’ class held twice a week by the great Hungarian pianist, Ernst Dohnanyi, by special permission of the director of the world-famous Berlin Hochschule. It may be noted here that Mischa Levitzki, whose superb playing enthralled many audiences throughout the Dominion a few months ago, graduated from this class. After the death of Teresa Carreno Mr. Short continued his studies with Josef Weiss, the greatest of present-day Hungarian pianists, and a favourite pupil of the great Liszt. Josef Weiss was the first pianist in Hurope to give complete programmes of compositions by Brahms, and Mr. Short seized the

opportunity to make a special study of the works by this composer. } Always in the promotion of his art, Mr. Short has resided at various times in London, Berlin, Paris, Vienna, and New York, frequently in close association with many of the world’s most eminent artists. Before the war he became in Berlin a busy teacher of the Carreno system of muscular relaxation. He has played with marked success in different European countries, while throughout the Dominion he will be remembered as pianist to the Notariello — Concert Company which toured New Zealand about ten years ago under the management of Messrs. J. and N. Tait. Mr. Short’s concert work has everywhere earned the highest praise of the erities. In the arena of public service he has given lecture recitals at many of the leading schools and colleges in the North Island, while in Wellington his name has been prominently associated with many brilliantly successful recitals.