The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-01-24
RACHMANINOFF'S CONCERT

Dignity mature judgment and de-
liberate execution were points of in
terest during the performance of this
great musician last evening. His un-
canny simplicity of manner, combined
with a dignified, courteous attitude
toward his audience are mild intro
auctions to this tall Russian man,
who is both creator and Interpreter
of masterpieces.
He played the Handel variations
practically without using the pedal.
In the Schumann C sharp (minorl
Novelette, that followed he displayed
unusual capacity for lightning color
changes. AS he interpreted this num-
Der it acquires new characteristics,
some of which I shave heard or
thought.
The Weber-Taussig Invitation to the
ly overworked by would-be pianists
and amateur orchestras. This par
ticular setting, however, is fortunate
ly too difficult for the abuse of what
like to call instrumental marauders
and Rachmaninoff renewed the love
of the audience for this poetic, alto
gether pianistic gem
Next on the program came the
Chopin group. The A flat Ballade
which he played is the most generally
known and best understood by the
public. With true poetic conception
noff brought out the voluptuous dane
ing movements of the maiden in her
endeavor to enslave her admirer, who
in glowing style promises faithfulness
forever, only to be found inconstant
and unfaithful afterward, as the story
goes.
Rachmaninoff brought out author
itatively the contrasting effects. The
D flat major Nocturne was played
perhaps a little too heavily for the
small auditorium. The Polonaise
Opus SO was played in quicker tempo
than is customary but with the enor-
nous technique the performer COM
this colossal piece of music. His own
c sharp minor Prelude revealed little
that is new in the manner OF rendi-
ton. He plays that little faster than
it is usually interpreted.
The climax of his performance was
reached in his List numbers. The
Sonnetto gave him an opportunity to
portray LISTS power of creating or
chestral effects on the piano without
spelling pianistic effects. The Galop
Chromatique was wonderful The
rhythmic effects were so powerful
that l noticed many rather conserva-
tive listeners moving their heads and
shoulders in a manner which por-
trayed the fact that they were being
compelled to by irresistible power
welded by unquestioned authority.
For encores he played Chopin's
Minute Waltz and his own arrange
ment of Kreisler's Liebeslied, which
was fascinatingly beautiful.
what impressed me the most in all
Rachmaninoff's playing from a me-
chanical point of view was the artistic
way in which he pedals. He does 1t
spar1ngly and with definite purpose.
In fact 1 have never seen anyone
pedal those pieces the way he does.
All summed up the concert was Of
lnestimable value to all of US, not only
because it was food to our souls but
1t focuses new light on our way. 1t
brings us new inspiration, teaches us
to hold higher our aim and strive
more diligently to attain our ultimate
goal-which is to become more than
infants alongside of such a giant.
Once more Mr.. Holland deserves
great credit for his choice He gave
Us what we could not have had in any
ether way-a great concert by a great
artist, who is also a great man.
DANIEL MULLER.
Lemsford, Sask., with a population of
81 people, claims to be the Smallest town
continent