Imperial Valley press., 1929-02-26
FINE PROGRAM
PRESENTED AT
MUSIC ACADEMY
BY SYDNEY w. BROWN

! The reception and musicale given
/ Sunday afternoon in the recital hall
{ of the Imperial Valley Academy OF
Music. in honor of Russell J. Kecney
and Dorothy b. Kcency, guest art
/ lists. afforded Il rare treat for music
lovers of Imperial Valley.
! Mr.. Kccncy, formerly concert
master of Sacramento Municipal
! symphony orchestra, and at present
concert master of San Diego Phil
| harmonic, is concert violinist of
most unusual ability.
Dorothy B. Keeney, pianistc, we'll
| known in the music world, is con-
tmuallv adding fresh honors to her
successful career. Both artists are
members of the we'll known keeney-
Rowe trio.
Elmer \. Todd. organist and di-
rector of the Academy, opened the
program with an interesting cduca-
tional analysis of Richard Wagner 5
death of Siegfricd," the climax
and finale of the master s great
work, "Dic Gottcrdammerung.' =
Each motif was presented and cX
planned in mastery manner, after
which Mr.. Todd gave an interpreta-
tion on the pipe organ, illustrating
with consumatc skill, the various
multi-colorcd effects of strings,
wood. wind, brass and tympani, such
as are found only in Wagucrian
scores.
This was followed by two groups
of violin numbers by Russell j.
Keeney, assisted by Dorothy Il.
Nccncy at the piano. The follow
ing selections were especially adapt
ed to the versatility of the artist
Prize song from "Der MciStcr-
singer" (Wagner); 'Wavcs at
PLAY (Grasse) lies AdicuN,'
(Sarastc): Nocturnc' and "Cor-
tagc," (Boulangcr); Aus der
Hcimat.' (Smetana). Brahm S
Waltz in A flat, arranged by
HochStein. was given rs an encore.
Cne Of the outstanding features
of Mr.. Kceney's playing is his tenn
pcramental adaptabilitv to the type
and nature of music presented,
through the entire gamut from classic
to ultra-modern, showing a thorough
understanding of that most elusive
elcment-'' imaginative SPIRIT This,
together with perfect technique. from
powerful attack and brilliant inn
pulse, to delightful rcpOse, combined
with unusual tone quality, places
Mr.. keeney in the foremost rank of
real artists.
Local Talent Pleases
To be a fine accompanist is an
accomplishment possessed by few
and Dorothy Keency is one of the
favored. She possesses a marked de-
gree of adaptability to the moods
and temperament of the soloiSt.
leaving nothing to mar the complete
ness of It perfect performance. .
Estcllc Nccdham Livingston gave
n brilliant performance of Gcrsh
win ; ''R h a p d lie in Blue
for piano. with full orchestral ac-
compartment on the pipe organ by
Mr.. Todd. This is a number which
calls for more than ordinary musical
attainment and Interpretation, and
the ease with which the technical
difficulties were overcome and col
ortul effects so skilfully blended,
gave an added zcst to its enjoyment.
Tho concluding number, "Rcvcill
du Lion - hy De KontSki. was given
10y the following Academy students
- Sarah Couch, piano; Margaret
PlcmonS. piano; Ailcen Hartzog
celcsta: Henry Marcot, violin and
Mr.. Todd at the organ, each perform
cr showing the results of careful
preparation and training. culminat-
ing in q perfect ensemble.
The musical public is indebted to
Mr.. Todd for his efforts in bringing
guest artists to Imperial Valley and
presenting music of a high standard,
thereby creating a musical atmos-
phcrc so necessary in the growth and
culture Of modern community.
The large and appreciative audi
cncc voiced a unanimous appeal for
more musical feasts of this char
aCtcr.