"THIS BOY HAS TALENT," SAID RUBINSTEIN

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 30, 6 January 1939, Page 7

"THIS BOY HAS TALENT," SAID RUBINSTEIN

By

J. Gifford

Male

OUNG Richard (‘‘Junior’’) Farrell, 12-year-old prodigy of the piano, is back in New .Zealand after 18 months’ study in Sydney. He spent Christmas in Wellington with his family. A day or two before Christmas -° IT ealled up to-see Richard and his mother, and, although he and his brothers were as excited as any youngsters would be at the prospect of a Christmas shopping expedition, Richard sat at the piano and entertained me. A simple, modern composition he played, but I enjoyed it more than the broadcast I heard him give from 2BL Sydney a week or two ago. His technique is frankly remark. able. He has the calm assurance, even some of the mannerisms, of a concert pianist. Richard has been doing well in Sydney, and is laying a solid: foundation for his musical career. He took composition and ‘harmony from Alfred Hill, and principles of harmony andmelody from Mrs. Hill. At the State Conservatorium he studied under P:-fessor Sverjensky, and recently topped nis grade against 60 fellow pupils of- all ages.

He would almost surely have been awarded a scholarship but for the fact that the Conservatorium’s minimum age for scholarship pupils is 14, The story of Richard’s friendship» with the Taubers-Richard Tauber and his wife, who was formerly Diana Napier-is well known. Richard played for Diana Tauber at a reception at the Hotel Australia, and the two were soon firm friends, Richard went to two of the great tenor’s concerts as her escort. Korda Interested DIANA TAUBER’S interest was . not just a passing one. Only the other day Richard received a letter from her."T have spoken to Mr. Alexander Korda, of London Film Productions, about you," she wrote. "Will you -send me two or three photographs of yourself with your name, age and address on the back, and I hope he will be able to do something for you. You must go on working very hard, and please write and tell me now and then how you are getting on." Tauber has not been the only celebrity to have been impressed by Richard’s virtuosity. The. great pianist Rubinstein heard Richard while he was in Sydney, and ex-

pressed himself thus: "I have talent, ET know. And this boy, he Ras what I have. It is something which can never be taughi." ‘lf Korda takes an interest in Richard there would appear. to be a possibility of his appearing in English pietures. He was considered by Cinesound for a role in "Mr. CGhedworth Steps Out," Cecil Kellaway’s latest film, but it was decided that Richard tooked altogether too refined for the part in view. But London Film Productions, with their immense and growing resources, could easily find a suitable outlet for Richard’s ability. He is averagely good looking, fond of outdoor sports (he recently wonan Australian primary Schools’ running title) and there can be no question about his talent as a pianist. It will be interesting to see if he follows in Freddie Bartholomew’s footsteps-or even in Ra Hould’s. But in the meantime Richard's parents are im no ‘hurry to hasten his career. They would far sooner see him develop slowly and normaliy. After all, it takes a genius of the calibre of Menuhin to retain in the world of music the place he wonas a child prodigy.