Evening star., 1934-06-25

The first concert yesterday had a
large attendance and the enthusiasm
of the audience grew as the splendid
talent of the pianists was revealed in
an interesting and we'll planned pro-
gram. Although working together but
a short time, Mr.. Schlaaff and Mr.
Riotte have already reached flnesSe
of ensemble that is well nigh per-
feet So united is their understand
ing Of the interpretations they de-
sire that they play in reality as one
instrument. Their pianist gift is of
the same quality, with a technical
equipment that is free and elastic
for every demand made upon it.
The satisfaction that was expert
enced by their artistic and intellec-
tual development of dynamics and
their careful consideration Of each
musical phrase was further enhanced
by the abandon and genuineness of
their presentation. Their playing was
an ideal combination of two extremely
musical natures, carefully worked out
mechanical details and intelligent
analysis of the musical content of the
works they performed. 1t is to be
hoped they will be heard here again,
for their playing carries the touch of
originality and vitality that is rarely
found and which promises brilliant
future for the two young men.
The choice of numbers for their
program showed also their varied and
sure musical taste. In a first group,
which presented the Bach-Horne
"Chorale," a "Duettino Concertante
mach Mozart" by Busoni, and va
riations on a Theme by Beethoven"
by Saint-Saens. they Immediately
demonstrated their versatility of
thought and technical possibilities.
An interesting and original compost
ton, "Burlesque-A Portrait of Buff
foon," by Helen Thomas, was dedi-
Gated to the two musicians. Arensky's
Romance" and Waltz" were followed
by the colorful The Poisoned Foun-
tain" by Bax, and three short num-
bers by Casella grouped under the
title "Pupazetti" The program con-
cluded with the Ravel arrangement
of Debussy's 'Fetes," dynamic play
ing of which Immediately brought de-
mandS TOR an encore. Two interest
ing musical personalities and a pro-
gram out of the ordinary made this
inaugural concert in the intimate sur
rounGings of private home a dis
tinctly welcome one for the end of
the musical seasCG4.
4
THE commencement exercises of the
Washington College of Music took
place Saturday evening. with the
presentation Of the degree Of bachelor
of music to William Joseph Holden.
pianist, and Helen Doty BickmoTe in
music education. Teacher diplomas
were awarded Melvin Creamer, Frances
Dowden, Mildred Deane and Elizabeth
Ranking King in piano, Lenna Orr
Gauss in voice, Wilhelmina Amiss in
violin and Frances Miller Stabler in
public school music. The Hugh Row
land Roberts Memorial award was pre-
sented to Melvin Creamer, blind pian-
ist by Fanny AmStutz Roberts, who
paid special tribute to Mr.. Creamer for
the conscientious work he performed
during the past year. The award car
ries years scholarship in piano, COM
position and orchestra.
An inspiring address was made to
the finishing students by Dr. Julia
Schelling, introduced by Fanny AM
stutz Roberts, who took as her sub
ject, "The New Deal in Music" DR..
Schelling spoke of how the romantic
outlook of former generations. which
gave us rich musical literature, had
given way to a realism which threatens
to warp the musical development in
this country, and finished her address
by begging the young artists in their
future careers to guard romance in
their music, both in composition and
Interpretation.
Paderewski's Theme and Varia-
tions" was performed by William
Joseph Holden. with skillful tech
nique and refined musical taste.
Lenna Orr Gauss sang two numbers,
Widor's Mutt d'etoiles" and E. Rach-
maninoff's AT Night" in which her
warm contralto voice was particularly
effective and her style we'll polished.
She was enthusiastically applauded
by the large audience present.
The recitals of the receivers OF
the teachers diplomas as well as the
one by Mr. Holden for his bachelor
of music degree took place during
the past week.
THE last of the graduate series of
recitals occurred last Wednesday
when Frances Dowden, pianist, was
assisted by Lenna Orr Gauss, con-
tralta, pupil of Myron w. Whitney,
in a program opening with con-