Evening star., 1934-06-06

The most gratifying part OF the
presentation was the realization of
the amount of excellent material that
forms the personnel of the orchestra.
That about go musicians well enough
equipped technically and interested
enough to play for the love of play
ing" could be garnered outside the
ranks of the already known artists,
was a surprise and distinct source
of encouragement for the future OF
music in our midst. For a first ap-
pearance and the short time OF re-
hearsals, the tonal quality and volume
were excellent and the fidelity to
pitch at all times surprisingly good.
However, the misgiving that one
was bound to feel at reading the an
nounced program was unfortunately
realized last evening. All that could
be done with such compositions as
the second and fourth movements of
Tschiakowsky's Symphonic Pathet-
ique," the first movement from Rim
sky-Korsakoff S suite, "ScheheraZade"
and the Unfinished Symphony" Of
Schubert in the short time the or
chestra members had been working
together was accomplished, but the
fact remains that these works are
far beyond the present capabilities
of the group, no matter how great
their enthusiasm or good will.
Such a group of musicians, mosL of
whom have had little or no orchestrs
experience, needs to begin at the b.
ginning and progress as their educa
ton becomes perfected. The orches-
tral literature is rich in melodious
effective and sufficiently difficult
works that still do not touch the
depths of last nights program in
which they could find their orches-
trail bearings and which are suitable
for their present ability. 1t was I'M
fortunate that they were required to
present at their first public bow the
most elusive and difficult interpretive
studies that demands both pliable
technic and artistic acumen.
The opening overture to Nicolai's
Merry Wives Of Windsor" and the
"Fantasie" on Leoncavallo's "Pagli-
acci" were the best rendered num-
bers on the program. The soloist
Louise Tobey, disclosed an excellent
coloratura voice in Strauss Voices
OF Spring" and she gave an encore
in response to insistent recalls. The
orchestra did fine work as accompan-
ist of the singer. Special commenda-
ton should be extended Mr. Alart for
the astonishing results he has at
tained with his group of -profes-
sionals in the limited time he has di-
rected them and the good work &C
complished last evening, in spite of
the natural and perfectly under
standable drawbacks, should never
theless encourage him justifiably to
further endeavors.
small part of the program pre-
sented by Aleksander Helmann in his
piano recital last evening at Barker
Hall. the impression created at his
first recital at the House of the Seven
Arts was strengthened immeasurably
His is a rare pianistic talent, poetic
and fiery. delicate and thunderous in
refined understanding Of the works he
presents. An amazing technique per-
mits him unlimited choice of mate
rial. but, in reality, this is the least
for his immersion in the content of
the music. the unique and original
angle Of his interpretations and the
rare musical spirit that he possesses
are what give joy to the listener.
Altogether apart and different is
this young virtuoso Of the piano,