The Washington times., 1921-02-09
SOKO[0FF PLAYERS
IN CAPITAL DEBUT
Cleveland Symphony Orchestra
Gives Spirited Concert.
Piastr0 Solo violinist.

The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra,
Nikolai sokoIofr conductor. made its
nrst bow to a Washington audience
yesterday afternoon at the National
Theater, presenting a very interest
ing program. with Mishel Piastro as
solo yiolinist. Among the distinguish
ed guests in the audience were the
Secretary OF War and Mrs. Baker
from whose home city this ''young"
orchestra of-America comes.
Mr.. SokofonNis virile. enthusiastic
and tsmperamental, and his orchestra
plays with spirit and a fullness OF
volume that responds to the diree-
tors frequent desire for climax build
ing. In opening with the Rachma min
OF second symphony, Mr.. Sokolon
presented this work for the first
time in Washington, giving IL In what
might be termed an authorized edi-
tion, for the symphony requires cutt-
ing, and II was with the cooperation
OF the great Russian composer -pian-
list himself that Mr.. Sokoloff's cher
ished autographed score was con-
densed to concert proportions.
ORGIES OF TONE.
Built upon typical themes of Rus
sia, this work develops into perfect
orgies of tone that were almost over
whelmingly delivered. There were
fair and excellent moments for the
winds, but Mr.. Sokoloff seems to give
his greatest attention to themes. so
that the orchestra plays like a huge
unit, without that careful delineation
of parts that makes for the seductive
harmonies of the orchestral choirs.
In fact, these choirs held no separate
identity, making some of the work
muddy Nor was the romance of its
airs sung out in that broad swing
of which they seemed capable. One
lost the fine delineation and often the
type, though there was syncopation.
1t will take more imagination to give
the full meaning of this symphony
for judgment of the composition.
The new violinist. Mishel Piastro,
had one Of the most delightful com
positions at his command, for the
Lalo symphony Espagnole" for vio-
lin and orchestra Is violinistic and
full of that alluring Spanish thing
that compels by it's charm. Mr.. Pias-
tro is a brilliant technician, whose flu
ency is admirable and tone good. He
does not catch the particular speech
of Spain in the work, missing by that
indefinable something it's distinguish
ing characteristics. He has deep
vibrancy and firmness of tone, though
his high range was not always per-
feet in intonation. The close to the
andante was particularly well deliv-
cred, and a candenza clear and with
an excellent trill showed his mastery
of his instrument.
IMPETUOUS PHRASING.
"The Mastersinger's Prelude" clcsed d
the program. Here one felt the grace
of the orchestra, its dignity in the
stately marcK; but she soaring love
theme did not scale the heights, nor
could one hear through" in the rich
harmonic structure of this great mu
sic. Mr.. SoSoloff does rot deal in tt G
subtletfes, and he brings strangely
obvious waltz rhythm. sometimes Gals
most a Jig, into his impetuous phras-
Ing.
I The Cleveland orchestra is evidence
of our increasing growth in orchestral
music. 1t is still young In it's inter-
probation and fiEeness, but is full Of
promise. JESSIE MacBRlDE.