Evening star., 1937-11-06
Reviews of
Recordings
By ALICE EyERSMAN.

Y Asst WEEK at the annual
founders day celebration at
the Library of Congress, the
- Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge
medal for conspicuous work in the
advancement of chamber music was
awarded to Clan Francesca Mali
piero, the leading spirit among the
young Italian composers And among
the new records put out by the Vic
tor Co. for the month Of November
is a splendid recording of his string
quartet with the untranslatable name.
"Rispetti Strambotti," played by
the Kreiner Quartet.
Mrs. Coolidge referred to the world
premiere of this work in her presenta-
ton speech. Seventeen years ago, on
September 25, it was played publicly
for the first time at the inaugural
festival in Pittsfield. Mass, and the
violist of the Letz Quartet which in
terpreted it was Edward Kreiner,
whose own ensemble group makes It's
debut with the Victor Co. in this
number. The members of the quartet
are Sylvan Shulman and Josef Gin
gold, violins; Edward Kreiner, viola.
and Alan Shulman, cello.
Malipiero has passed through many
vicissitudes in his bid for fame, has
known the antagonism of the public,
the fearful sound of kissing and even
the need of fleeing for his life TO
escape the wrath Of an offended pub
lie. Yet he has quietly persevered
until today he is recognized as the
most outstanding composer in that
land Of music, Italy. and as a per-
sonality to be reckoned with in the
wider musical world.
In this recording Of his colorful
quartet, better opportunity is given
the public to become acquainted with
his style and art than can be had in
a concert hail. And to know him is to
realize the abundant and glowing
quality of his musical gift. 1t is a
gift that grows in clarity and force
fulness with repeated hearings, an
opportunity which the Victor people
have now provided for the public.
There is no program to 'Respetti
Strambotti' but it is said that Mali
piero meant to portray the Renais-
sance period of his own country. Be-
ing a Venetian by birth, he has had
ample means to steep himself in its
atmosphere, as found in his natal
city. In the Quartet he has written
marvelously balanced kaleidoscope pic
ture which passed before the minds
eye through the musical terms in
which it is expressed.
Starting with group Of harsh
chords which are nevertheless jovial
in character, one imagines seething,
varigated street life with its noise, its
coarse jesting and its good-natured
jostling crowds. Sharply contrasting
yet just in its verify, are the cleverly
interviewer lyric measures of romance
and the calm tones of veSper hymn.
To paint this picture, Malipiero has
used at times strange, rich harmonies
and again a melody of simplest tex
ture. But at the basis of his technical
medium lies a vital, warm and color
full personality which is mirrored in
his music. Perhaps greater delicacy
could be employed by the Kreiner en-
semble at times in their Interpretation
but on the whole, this debut perform
ance on the disks reveal q well devel-
oped unanimity Of idea and tonal
color. 1t is an interesting record on
two and half discs, the reverse side
Of the third being given over to
charming little number by Beryl
Rubenstein, "Passepied" played by the
same ensemble.