Concert Critic Criticised

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 40, 12 April 1935, Page 19

Concert Critic Criticised

To the Editor Sir,-In his enthusiasm concerning the "‘Celebrity’’ concert given on Sunday, March 24, by the New Zealand Broadcasting Board in the Wellington Town Hall, "‘C.: Natural,"’ in your issue dated April 5, 1935, states, in reférence to Mendelssohn’s ‘‘Vio‘lin Concerto in E Minor," that, "‘in the opinion of at least one musical enthusiast, the combined standard attained by orchestra and soloist exceeded Szigeti’s memorable performance." Comparisons are said to be odious, but in this:case there cannot be any comparison, because this concerto was not performed in Wellington by Szigeti with an orchestra. Szigeti played . the ‘concerto with Prince Megaloff, who supplied the orchestral part on a pianoforte. In the face of this fact it seems hardly appropriate to discuss the relative merits of Szigeti, the world-famous virtuoso of the violin, and Vincent Aspey, the promising young violinist from -Auckland.-I am, etc.,

ERNEST

DAWSON

Hon. Secretary, Wellington Symphony Orchestra

{I frankly admit the "charge" of enthusiasm which Mr. Dawson so subtly imputes, but his reference to "comparisons being odious’ tempts me to make the somewhat obvious reply : Possibly it may be inappropriate to compare the two violinists. They occupy different. spheres-a regrettable factor which often clouds the issue.-"‘C Natural.’’]