The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-11-18
DOLLY DAIRY MPLE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49,,


oerto, 'Kamenoi-O strow' of Rubinsteins
Chopin's 'Berceuse' Moszkowslki's Condo
lier, and the sextette from Lucia de
Lammermoor,' arranged by Leschetizky
for the left hand he replied enthusi-
astically.
Does this little bit of child play such
thingsY'' L gasped. as 1 turned to Mrs
Gussen-
Not only plays them" she replied, but
interprets them with marvellous virtuosity.
Not like a child, nor even a woman, but
like a man. 1 want you to hear him play
the c minor Beethoven Concerto, and hear
his own improvisation of the cadenza-
! Most pianists play either the Beach ar
rangement--in fact, l use that, or the
Reinioke, and some the Liszt-but this
child is going to bark back to the times
of Beethoven and Mozart when 1t was
considered the musicianly thing to impro-
wise ones own cadenza"
And what is your ultimate aim for
your muslc?'' l asked the youthful mu-
stefan, as he sat awaiting to master the
piano before him, his little baby fingers
caressing fondly the keys as he talked to
me.
"Oh, want to 60 abroad and study and
be a great pianist, the child said. his
eyes fiery with ambition, and his whole
being proclaiming his wonderful musical
temperament and talent.
with whom-have you decided?' l in
quired.
"Scharwenka is my choice, of course"
said Mrs. Gussen as we discussed the lit
tie fellows future, If he goes to Berlin.
and Godowsky of course, In Vienna. He
couldn't make mistake with either or
course, Godowsky is much more in the
public eye now than Scharwenka, who
hasn't played more than half dozen
times within the past 10 years, but he
still holds his own at the head of the
worth-Scharwenka school, and there
Is none greater And now l want you to
hear Beryl play
Delighted that the cross-examinatfon
which he had been put through was over,
and that he could play to his hearts con-
tent. the little brown-eyed Russian boy
settled himself before the big instrument,
his little feet scarcely reaching to the
pedals, and turning to me he said
'.I will play the b minor prelude, Opus.
2S, of Chopin's. II you care for 1t.
We had assembled quite little audience
by this time, each of whom was awaiting
the performance OF THIS pTOulSy Will lHe
greatest curiosity and interest.
And there he sat, the dear little baby
thing, playing like an angel-running
through half dozen of the Chopin pre-
ludes-the f major c sharp, B fiat, the
Thirteenth Hungarian Rhapsody of
LISTS, the F sharp major, Chopin Noe
turne, and the Leschetizky arrangement
for left hand of the Lucia Sextet.
And such playingl My nature Is so
superlative that many times perhaps |
may be accused of over-enthusiasm when
It comes to music and art. and the things
and people l love, but in this case no
amount of 1t could equal what this child
actually did. 1t would bankrupt the die
tionary to say all that think about this
wonderful child. He has temperament,
brains, musical appreciation and mar
velous technique. all of which places him
in a class absolutely alone. He is sui
generis--there is none other like himi
He played the Hungarian Rhapsody. this
boy pianist, as though he Were a native
Hungarian, with Vilanyi flowing in his
vens-the dark red. fiery wine of the
Magyars, reminding one that Schumann
once said to his beloved Clara that she
was veritable Hussar at the piano, SOL
der-like in her dash and her impetuosity.
Then he turned to the soft, sweet, ca
ressing, Chopin things and played them
in that beautiful, compelling exquisite,
rhythmic cadence that appeals to the
senses and makes one forgive and forget
all else but music and Its wonderful
charml
The little gathering sat under the child's
marvellous spell for more than hour
and then not content to let go. everybody
asked that Mr.. and Mrs. Gussen con-
tribute something to the impromptu pro-
gramme. Mrs. Gussen gracefully consent
ing to play for Miss Elise Jones to sing,
which she did most delightfully."-, giving
"Je dis que rien ne m'epouvante." from
Carmen, and the beautiful Grieg number,
"A Swan" in masterful style. Indeed II
was difficult to decide which was more
enjoyed, Miss Jones' beautiful voice or
the perfect accomplishments played by
Mrs Gussen.
Temple Emanuel this evening will give
Birmingham the pleasure Of hearing both
BeryI Rubinstein ard Miss Jones in re-
cital. and the opportunity should not be
overlooked