3YA's New Orchestra Has Most Successful Opening

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 6, 18 August 1933, Unnumbered Page

3YA's New Orchestra Has Most Successful Opening

Paul- Vinogradoff; Accompanied by Orchestra, In Grieg Concerto.

Special to the Radio Record Christchurch, noted for its abundance of musical enthusiasm, listened attentively to the first performance of 3YA’s new orchestra, and it must be said that the opening concert was one that augurs well for the future of the orchestra. There were some minor faults, but these were to be expected after a first- performance. However, the fact remains that Mr. Harold Beck and his players deserve a pat on the back.

"THE Broadcasting Board also should be thoroughly satisfied with this new combination. Orchestral recordings are.always worth a great deal from an artistic point of view, but there is ho reason why the local orchestra, provided proper rehearsing is indulged in, should not attain q high standard of art. It is a move in the right direction, and if a-concerto ef be put in fre. quently the. Board will gain many admirers, We have in. Ohristchureh many capable pianoforte soloists, who, if given a trial, I am sure will be able to fill-the: bill, . A feature of the programme was the

playing, by Paul Vinogradoff, of Grieg’s Concerto in A Minor,. accompanied by the orchestra, Grieg’s only ‘concerto in A minor is conceived in the orthodox fcrm, as left by Schnumann and Mendelssohn, and its freshness, free from any eccentricity, is unusually striking. The melody, harmony and rhythm are rich-redolent of those charming characteristics cf light and shade which have made Grieg so famous. The concerto was composed at a time when Grieg was deeply influenced by two remarkable compatriots, Ole Bull and the young

musician Nordrake. Like Chopin, he was @ national poet. — Mr. Paul Vinogradoff, as the soloist, gave an artistic performance, never overdoing it, but always presenting a picture of the music, and also an atmosphere that was in keeping with the selection. His opening was full of majesty, the octaves being clean and distinct. As he re-echoed the theme of the orchestra one felt that a player of some worth was interpreting this great master of Norway. With the orchestra, the adagio with its pensive, touching melody for muted strings, was a beautiful opening second movement, There is much scope for refined orchestral work, especially trom the strings, and thé players tools full opportunity of doing it justice. Mr. Vinogradoff made it stand out remarkably well. - The orchestra was heard in several mumbers, all of which were daintily and artistically played, and led up to the concerto. "Mignon" (Thomas), "Faust" ballet music* and Delibes "Ozardas" were given ‘with excellent effects, and Mr. Beck and his players have every reason to be proud of their opening. ; Mrs. W. Scott again rose to the occasion and gave a delightful series of songs that suited her. It is a treat to have such a cultured singer on our programmes. In "Sie Baiser" (Goring Thomas) it seemed that she was standing too near the microphone, but later she.came oyer well, and her numbers "None But the Aching Heart," Handel’s "Largo" "Homing," "Song of the Open" and "Te Deum" were gems of vocal art. ;