ILLUSTRATED MUSIC TALKS

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 26, 8 January 1932, Page 8

ILLUSTRATED MUSIC TALKS

Brilliant Pianiste Broadcasts

LISTENERS to 2YA on Mon--day night, December 28, heard from that station for the first time a2 well-known Auckland pianiste in the person of Miss Alice Law, who is at present in Wellington representing her city at the Conference of the Society of Musicians. Miss Law, who has been associated for some time with station 1ZR, Auckland, makes a speciality of illustrated musical talks. This feature from 1ZR is considered to be one of the finest fron) that station.

and she has received an encouraging amount of commendation as a result. Taking as her subject the notable figures in musical history, she not only presents some of their finest music, but talks about the musicians and their work, adding interest to the recital. It was along these lines that Miss Law broadcast on Monday night and on which she will again broadcast on January 18, when she will take as her subject Mendelssohn. In this type of work she has given lecturerecitals to the Auckland Lyceum Ladies’ Club (of which she is a member), the Penwomen’s League and other organisations. Miss Law has had a _ brilliant musical career, which was commenced in New Zealand. Going to London, she studied for and gained the L.R.A.M. degree. Returning to New Zealand she took up the teaching profession, but just prior to the War, went back to England and from there to Germany, to study at the Stern Conservatorium, of which

she now holds a ‘diploma. This is a coveted honour, held by very few musicians. Whilst in Berlin she was offered a staff position and a request was made that she should not go "back to that savage country where her talent would be wasted." "Strangely enough," Miss Law said, "my work was more appreciated in Germany than elsewhere." This is a fine tribute as the Germans are probably one of the most musical races and set a very high stan-

dard in music-particularly pianoforte. Whilst in that country Miss Law heard all the famous artists of the world. She was offered a scholar-ship-an extremely rare honourbut because she wished to study under a different master, chose not to accept it. "It is as well I made that decision," said Miss Law, "as, had I remained in that country I would have been detained there, probably over the war period, as a few months after I left the country, war was declared." Miss Law is a well-known Auckland teacher and has coached pupils for the highest musical examinations, including L.A.B., F.T.C.L., in theory and pianoforte. She takes a keen interest in the work of the Blind Institute, several of her blind pupils having received scholarships and medals. It is to be hoped in future we shall be able to hear more of Miss Law’s broadcasts.