Celebrated Russian Painist

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 35, 11 March 1932, Page 6

Celebrated Russian Painist

_-__-- Farewell Concert from 2YA ON Sunday last, Vinogradoff, the great Russian virtuoso, made his initial appearance in a grand concert. We heard much of the Russian master before he came to New Zealand, and his broadcast consequently was looked forward to as an event of some importance. Nor weré listeners disappointed He played three well-chosen numbers. "Appassionata" by Beethoven, Chopin's "Polotiaise in A Flat Major." and the "Concerto in D Minor" by Mozart. In this last number he was assisted by Miss Mavis Dillon, a young Wellinzton pianiste, who promises to have a distinguished musical career. Vinogradoff is unquestionably a master. Technique, interpretation and colour are all combined in his playing. IIe holds and keeps attention as few pianists can. He takes his theme and (lelicately treats it, then almost imperceptibly develops it. into a throbbing melody. reaching his climax with forceful splendour. His numbers are weil chosen and present ample opportunity for colour and contrast. It is perhaps in this sphere that the virtuoso excels. Prior to the broadcast the writer Was privileged to hear him in two numbers-the "Sixth Hungarian Rhapsody" and "La Campanella" by Liszt. Probably there are few numbers that provide the scope that these do for technique and colour. In them Vinogradoff was superb. He is the possessor of marvellously developed and facile fingers, and consequently his playing has a light but masterful touch. In the trilling notes of "La Campanella" his fingers appeared to flutter over the notes like a hovering butterfly. With ease and grace he develops the crescendo in that portion from the merest Whisper up to a forceful Gimax. His technique in these passages alone shows him to be in the forefront of musicians. But flawless as is his technique. it is outshone by his interpretation, which after all, makes or mars. Those who did not hear Vinogradoff have indeed missed an outstanding artist-one of the most brilliant who have visited our shores. It is hoped that some time in the future he will again be heard from our stations. ‘Associated with Vinogradoff were Aida Bulmas, soprano, Lucien Cesaroni, © bass, and Mavis Dillon, pianiste. Of Bulnas, listeners have heard only a little in the past, but as an operatie singer of distinction she has already aroused considerable interest among 2YA listeners. On Sunday last she fulfilled every expectation. Cesaroni needs no introduction. Unquestionably he is one of the bext basses in the country, and in his nuinbers, especially the "Rigoletto" duet, re gave a very meritorious performance. Cesaroni takes a very great interest in microphone work, and from 2YA he has done much for the music-loving populace. Sunday’s concert was one of the high-water marks eo OYA browdeasts, and it ts boped that in the future more of tuis stundard will be heard,