Evening star., 1928-02-26

a
~ the Lentcn season. which
began last "Wednesday the
musical events for the next few
weeks are more moderate in num-
ber and fairly well spaced.
This week there is only ono
! outstanding professional music
event. 1t is the annual piano re-
! cital to be given Friday afternoon
bv Sergei Rachmaninoff. Al
though Russian in birth and hay
ing spent his early home life en-
tirely in his own country, Mr.
Rachmaninoff has. within the
past 10 years, established his resi-
) dence in this country. The story
Of how this came about is rather
interesting;
1T was altogether rather uneX-
pectedly that Sergei Rachman.n-
Of, composer. conductor and
pianist. returned to the United
States in 1918. Early in Novem-
: ber of that year he disembarked
in New York. even while current
Z report ran that he was still 4
refugee in Scandinavia. soon to
undertake series of concerts III
Z England. The progress and tn,
processes of the Russian revolu-
tion compelled Mr.. Rachmaninof
to fee from Moscow. The new
regime had stripped him Of his
property and deprived him OF
other sources of income. Accord
ingly. Mr.. Rachmaninof made his
way to the Russian frontier.
crossed into Sweden and through
the Spring dwelt there. OCCASION
ally appearing in concert as piaH-
; ist. now and then buSving himself
with composition. At length ne
halted at Copenhagen. in Der-
mark. whence favorable opportu-
nitv to visit America brought him
to New York.
.Since his arrival in America
Mr.. Rachmaninoff' tall figure,
grave face and quiet bearing have
left distinct impression upon the
memories Of concertgoers in the
larger cities OF this country.
"As composer Mr.. Rachmanln-
Off holds an eminent place among
the middle generation of Rus
slams His second symphony has
long been established in orches-
trail repertoires in the United
States; his concertoS for piano re-
cur in symphony concerts; his
songs are gaining more and more
frequent place in the recitals of
open-minded singers: his shorter
piano pieces are familiar to both
amateur and professional fingers
His symphonic music bears con-
tinuous witness to his mastery Of
his medium, rich invention. grave
and warm imagination. large and
controlled power. His concertos fo-
piano disclose the pianist both as
virtuoSo and musician. The coa-
tent of them speaks seriously for
itself; the display is but decora-
ton upon it. His songs. often
singularly concentrated pieces.
summon and sustain mood. His
lighter music for the piano teens
with technical and poetic fancy.
Rarely does a musician of such
various and applauded powers
visit US"
Mr.. Rachmaninoff' concert vii!
be the first musical event of the
month of March. The others list
ed include special orchestral pro-
grams and feature both instru-
mental and vocal soloists. The
third and final concert of the sec
son to be given by the New York
Philharmonic Society Orchestra.
under the leadership of Arturo
Toscanini. will be given March s
Features on this program will be
the original and brilliant inter-
pretations of la Mer." by De-
busy, and Prelude und Liebes-
tod" by Richard Wagner. from
Tristan und Isolde" as presented
by the great Italian conductor.
This program is under T. Arthur
Smiths management. Also under
his management Is the final con-
cert of the Philadelphia Svm-
phony Orchestra. March n. when
Lea LuboshutZ. the Russian won-
an violiniSt. who appeared here
last month in joint recital with
Josef Hofmann. pianist, will be
Eoloist. Nine. LuboshutZ recently
purchased the famous Stradiva-
rius violin called lie Rossignol.' -
known in earlier times as tho
David Laurie" It was built py
Antonius Stradivari, In l7i7, when
he was 70 years old.
Mrs. Wilson Greene will present
Rachmaninof next FRIDAY after
noon. Maria Jeritza. Viennese
prima donna. Of the METROPOLITAN
Opera Co. will sing here Wednee-
day afternoon. March Z. as the
final attraction Of the Philhar-
nnonic course The Boston Sym
pflony Orchestra gives one pro-
gram here, Monday afternoon
March 5. Giovanni Martinelli
famous tenor Of the Metropolitan
in recital. Friday afternoon
March Is, will be the final attrac-
ton Of the Artists course. Then
will ensue a Iull In music event
until the Metropolitan Opera Co
comes here during the week oI
ADril Is for It's brilliant local sea
son.
CYLVIA LENT. the gifted youn.
~ violin!st Of Washington, should
attract q capacity audience Whcr
she appears al the National The.
ster. Friday. March o. In d recita
under Mr.. Smiths management