The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1915-01-28
RICHTER PROGRAM
PL[ASES AUDIENCE
Pupil of Leschitizky, Master of
Piano, Presents Classica,s at
High School Auditorium.

A fair sized audience greeted
Francis Richter last evening at the
High School auditorium Whether
the many not present were afraid of
the chilly weather, or naturally have
an aversion to entertainment of
higher order, it is not the purpose
Of this article to state, but it is ap-
propriate to remark that the few who
did brave the weather and who de-
sired to hear something good were
many times more than paid for their
trouble. Francis Richter is truly one
of the great pianists of the age.
The program last evening was one
of exceptional merit from the class
ical standpoint 1t must be admitted
that from the standpoint of under
standing the music was too heavy for
most of us, but with this and other
shortcomings on the part of the aud
ience all could not help but feel that
they were in the presence of a mas
ter. From the first number, Rondo
Capriccioso, Mendelssohn, to the last,
Rhapsodie Espagnole, Lizst, Mr..
Richter held his audience. After the
third number, Sonata Waldstein,
Beethoven, responded to an encore
with Beethoven's Ruin of Athens,
piece of most inspiring military
music. This made such an impress
sion on the audience that he was
called back the second time and gave
the same piece. Again, following the
playing of two Chopin numbers he
responded to the encore with Dvork's
Humoresque. In this number he dis
played an exceptional delicacy of
touch and knowledge of interpreta-
ton. In fact, throughout the entire
program each piece was played as it
should be.
| Francis Richter is not wholly un-
acquainted to Heppner people. There
are many here who recall his visit of
twelve years ago when lad of six
teen. At that time he was considered
somewhat of marvel and it was
freely predicted that he would some
day be great pianist. His playing
then was what he now considers as
'Vaudeville' and something which
has long since ceased to command his
attention. After his visit in Hepp-
ner little was heard of him until
about five years ago when the music
loving public of Portland thought it
was about time this blind marvel was
given a chance to develop the won
derful talent with which he was en-
dowed and the result was that Mr..
| hlCllltI W do otll W OpC. w
tanning a hearing with Leschetizky
he Immediately won place in that
great masters esteem and became
his pupil for two years. Young Rich
ter's capacity for interpreting the
works of the great masters appealed
to Leschetizky and the great teacher
L., l. hoo A,.tc i,, rty-in IL
pupil the proper finish. After two
years at Vienna Richter travelled and
studied in Western Europe, spending
most of his time in Paris and London.
Mr.. Richter is accompanied on his
tours by his mother, who aids him
in getting on and off the stage and
otherwise attends to the details Of
management. She is very proud of
her boy and he in turn is greatly de-
voted to his mother,
Heppner can indeed feel fortunate
in receiving visit from so notable
performer. To some it may seem
a bit strange that such talent may be
ODldlHeu Ill luWH VI thlS size. lhiS
was explained by Mrs. Richter, who
said that the small places are enti-
tied to hear good things as we'll as
the big places and it is the small
towns where the best work of educa-
tion is being carried on. In Europe
the greatest artists are heard in the
smaller places at very nominal sum.
Why not in America?
The Richters returned to Port
land this morning where Francis has
class. His work created profound
will be looked forward to with great
pleasure.