Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-11-06
MUSIC
LEGINsKA CONDUCTS AND PLAY:

LEGINSkA CONDUCIS AMI EAAA .
Ethel Leginska, pianist, surely is en-
titled to disappear" as often as she
likes so long as, when she reappears,
she does something as remarkable as
bringing women'S orchestra into pelng
and gives as climax OF highly IN
teresting concert, a List Hungarian
Rhapsody in which she simultaneously
conductor and SoloiSt.
Such a program dominated by this
unique feature was given last night at
the First Congregational Church. The
audience was so enthusiastic that 1t
won two encores, the intermezzo from
'"Cavalleria Rusticana" and repetition
of the clever and very tricky Clown
Music" from RimSky- KorSakoff'S opera,
"Snegourouchka.' Even after that,
the people fingered with persistent
applause and that warm glow prevailed
that only inspiring music performed by
sincere artists can arouse. 1t was a
rare evening of music and one that was
quite obviously enjoyed by all present"
Later many leading Washington
musicians expressed their appreciation
to Miss Leginska. One enthusiast COM
pared her to StokowSki-at which the
young pianist-conductor modestly pro-
tested, saying: "Oh, but my musicians
are just babies nowi We have had
only two years of practical experience.
Wait and see how much better we are
even one year from now!"
The Women's Symphony Orchestra Of
Boston is unique from every point OF
view. About SO of the members travel
ION tour" AS the leader explained,
many of my musicians cannot leave
Boston. They are tied by children and
home duties, You see, We are not all
completely emancipated yet" Therefore,
two young men fill necessary posts in
the reed and brass sections. The
marked excellence Of this stringed
section of woman musicians, the decided
ability of those in the more unusual
instrumental sections for women, the
brass and reeds, and the two resource
full drummers make a remarkable en-
semble. Instant response to their
leaders slightest suggestion and obvious
fitness that only thorough drilling can
bring, make this orchestra one of the
finest ever heard in the National Capt.
tai, and that is saying a good deal.
The Interpretation of every note in the
Beethoven Fifth Symphony last night
was admirable. Traditions we're OBJ
served. yet, at the same time, the
individuality of Miss Leginska's own
ideas had their part. The soft, melt
ing phrases OF p1Zzicato were given due
legato and rounded, restrained playing
The forte passages were reached with
clean-cut phrasing and those which
were brought to swelling proportions
from more quiet moods were done in
authoritative fashion.
The Glinka overture, the Rimsky-
Korsaoff selection, and the "Rienzi''
overture of Wagner, likewise were given
due and intelligent readings.
1t was the List fourteenth rhapsody
known usually as the Hungarian Fan
taSie," however, which dominated the
evening. Miss Leginska as the soloist
made her audience realize what a rare
pianist they had missed from the con.
cert platform for so long. At the same
time flaming inspiration as conductor
was at its height, and it is no wonder
that the audience made her come back
many times in response to their en-
thusiasm. Boston, Chicago and New
York have acclaimed this woman
genius as conductor as well as pianist;
Washington, last night, added its name
to the list. H. r.