Evening star., 1933-08-20

the artlStlc pleasure was unallOyeQ, 1Ol
he achieved what many seasoned con-
ductors have failed to do. He projected
the very essence Of Beethoven and
placed him alive and powerful before
his audience in all his majesty and
sublimity. There was no searching fol
sensuous charm and theatrical display
such as in the Wagner numbers. but
clear photograph Of the several profiles
Of that great genius that has never
been surpassed Here was Beethoven
the vital, Beethoven the tender and
Beethoven the lofty, seeing visions be-
yond the low horizon of ordinary sight
No wonder the audience stood up to
give freer expression to its enthusiasm
and to It's recognition Of the supreme
understanding of this artist-conductol
which not even the moments Of awk.
ward unity or unbalanced tonal power
in the orchestra could mar.
The high point of the evening. how
ever, both as to artistic perfection and
real entertainment, was the perform
ance Of the &C Minor Concerto" with
Iturbi as both conductor and soloist
1t was a combined exhibition Of supert
musicianship and musical acrobatic.
probably never before seen in a really
artistic performance. For Iturbi, seated
at the piano. turned sideways to act al
conductor. quickly dropping the bator
on the piano to play his solo passages
He indicated the entrance Of certain
instruments with his left hand while
his right played pearly runs with ex-
quis.te clarity. A nod of the head
urged a pickup Of tempo or an agile
turn from the keyboard with baton
lifted. led the orchestra to brilliant
climax.
It was perhaps the only occasion
ton from the accompanying orchestra
that he desired. Iturbi was positive
and quick in his demands and the or
chestra responded with will. 1t was
decidedly an extraordinary feat Of mu-
steamship. this division of attention be-
tween activities of the orchestra and
the soloist's careful Interpretation
Technically. it was perfect perform
ance. The orchestra was alert and
plant and 1turbi, the soloist. without
flaw in technic or tonal beauty.
For the listener, however, it was dis
turbing and disappointing. A sense o1
unrest clouded the entire performance
When charmed by the limpid melodies
the enjoyment was suddenly interrupted
by the exigencies of the orchestra de-
manding the soloist's attention Nc
sooner was one immersed in the beau.
ties Of the cadenza and lost in the long
insinuating trill at its end. than the
pleasure was destroyed by the uplifted
left hand Of the performer signalling
the orchestra. One knew the soloist
had abandoned his interpretive interest
IN favor Of the duties Of conductor
Nevertheless, 1t was remarkable ex-
perience, for the impression that re.
mained Of having gazed deeply into q
rich musical nature more than COM
pensated for the trivial annoyances
that time could do away with. Iturb
as q conductor should prove q growing
success. He has knowledge and per-
sonality and above all An uncannily in.
innate understanding of the influence
of composers character on his partic.
ular work. He is so sure of himself In thi,
respect that as his activities as con.
ductor increase music patrons can look
for something decidedly original and
particularly satisfying in what he viii
find to present to them.