The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-03-11


w Graeff presented the new
Dutch 'cellist, Gerard Hekkiug, j
a musicale at the Royal Netherlan'
legation last evening, following
dinner at which Willem Mengelbere
the famous Dutch conductor, wa
guest of honor, 1t proved a real low
feast for Holland and her artists.
Hans Kinder, noted cellist o
Holland. though he seems to belong
to us now, was also present, actint
in the capacity of impresario for TN
new artist who reached Americs
only five DAYS ago, and was givlnl
his debut recital here at the Legation
in Washington.
Enthusiasm ran high After Hex
kings playing of the Boccherini an
dante and rondo, the great Mengel
berg went up to him and kissed hin
on both cheeks, bringing a bit o.
the continent to our city. Ther
Kinder Joined the two with his
feilcitations that brought about ar
embrace that linked them like tht
Three Graces before the fireplace IN
Madame de Graef's charming draw
ing ROOM.
Hekking, as artist, brings q ma
ture ar. with strong personality
IN IT. He was a first prize stu
dent AT the Paris Conservatory, but
now he has scored quite dozen
wears more than his colleague, Mr
Kinder.
Already many recitals have been
arranged for this cellist, with solo
appearances in a pair OF concerts
with the New York Philharmonic
under Mengelberg. His tulsome
tone has suavity that might make
him an Italian, yet in the musician
ship of his playing there is
variety OF detail as alive and inter
esting as Mengelberg' own.
Master of a brilliant technique,
what is most striking in Hekking
Is the alnosA bewildering variety
IN his tone qualities. There was q
melodious arioso which he en-
beIlished with fascinating orna-
ments OF phrase. The delightful
Spanish ssIntermezzo. of Lalo was
gripping in its lit and typical
Spanish syncopation. What cos
mopolites these artists are in their
imaginations.
Old Italy with Sammartini in an
aIluring slow movement was here,
the sweet repose Of Schumann and
his s.Abeniied, q fascinating
Hymn to Bachus" in eastern
cadence, whose composers name
escaped me. 1t was given as encore
and in Its broad soaring tone
brought out the mellow beauty OF
this playing, that was palpitant and
luminous in tone. He played too
the Tarantelle of Pepper with its
Qvpsv abandon.
In appearance Gerard Hekking
brings something of the old world
OF music to us. His face is
strangely haunting. It resembles q
young Rubinstein. He plays, evil
IDENTIFY, for the music.s sake. Ter
there is no touch Of mannerism.
1t is refreshing. too. to find an
other 'cellist so unselfish in his
support of rival artist. 1t has
been a new task for Hans Kinder.
this arranging OF a tour for his
friend. THE managers wouldn I
believe me when l told them about
Hekking.'' he said. They thought
there must be a catch in 1t some
where. Emanuel Balaban, at the
plano. who was so warmly received
here when he played with Morini,
was an artistic individual accom-
PIANIST.
To Holland. it seems. we are to
look for our 'ceIlists. May it be a
happy augury, that the Queen g
representatives in America have so
cordially launched the career of tins
fine artist at the netherlands lega-
ton at Washington.
1t was an intimate little recital.
with only about fifty guests pres
,ent. some thirty Of whom had pre-
viousIy been entertained at the
dinner given for the Mengelhergs.
Yes. Mme Mengelberg was present.
a handsome woman and with much
charm of manner. 1t was interest
ing to look over The company,
grouped about companionabIy in
big, comfortable chairs, and to rote
how many of them we're discrimi-
mating music critics, as we'll as
music lovers.
Mrs. Coolidge Among Music
Lovers at Philharmonic Concert.
Many of them, moreover. had becn
present in the afternoon at the Phil
harmonic Orchestra's thrilling re
cital at the National Theater, Men
Relberg conducting. Mrs. Coolidge
was present on this occasion, having
her mother, Mrs. Andrew 1. Good
hue. and Mrs. r. B. Hills as guests
in her box. Just back of her 1 dis
covered the Belgian Ambassador and
Baroness de Cartier, with Mrs. Law
renee Townsend; and in the next
box was the British Ambassador and
Sir Esne Howard. 1 couldn't see
who were his hosts. but have ar
impression that someone back of me
named the Undersecretary of State
and Mrs. Joseph Grew. And / die
recognize Lady Betty Fielding and
Leland Harrison, Assistant Secre
tary of State, as the other members
of the box party.
Across the house the Netherlandi
Minister and Nine. de Graeff hat
a box party. And looking rounC
over the audience II spied Mrs
Adolph Caspar Miller. Mrs. Charles
Warren and Mrs Walter Bruc'
Howe-as ardent music lovers, al
three, as Washington can boast =
Mr.. and Mrs. Walter Hutchins-
thew rarely miss a wort I1.yvhile ron