Evening star., 1937-12-18
Beethoven
Cycle Is
Ended
Duo Is Warmly
Applauded for
Interpretation.
BY ALICE EVERSMAN.

ASI evening saw the conclusion
OF the Beethoven cycle Of
IL sonatas for violin and piano
presented this week at the
Library of Congress under the Ger
trude Clarke Whittall Foundation
The two artists, Adolf Busch, violinist,
and Rudolf Serkin, pianist, gave a
brilliant performance of the Sonata
in c Minor, Op. 80, No g." that in "A
Major. Op. IL, No. 2" and the "Kreut-
Ger Sonata" and salvos of applause
greeted them at the conclusion from
an audience which found it difficult
not to interrupt the continuity to give
vent to its enthusiasm. 1t was a per-
formance long to be remembered for
the splendidly finished musicianship
which directed it.
The fact that the artists played yes
terday's program from memory, as
they have played all of the cycle, add
ed considerably to the pleasure to be
derived from their Interpretation. One
felt not only the authority of their
understanding, but also the keener
comprehension of every measure be-
cause 1t was so firmly part of them
selves. The resulting perfection in
ensemble was so extraordinary that it
dazzled and thrilled to the extent of
dominating the successive perform
ances. AS superlative as is their read
Ing OF the sonatas there is nevertheless
q matter of factness about their work
which did not always allow the poetry
of what they were playing to shine
through.
This was felt perhaps most in the
second movement of the "Kreutzer
Sonata" which the artists took at a
tempo that gave little opportunity for
emotional expression. The fluency and
delicacy which Mr.. Serkin brought to
the piano part was exceptionally love-
ly, however, rounding out the less lyric
tone OF Mr.. Busch. The other two
movements were played with brilliancy
and fire. The sonata which has
romantic story associated with it's
dedication to Kreutzer, is one of the
most perfect works to come from the
pen of Beethoven and one in which he
Is most expansive in emotional express
sion. 1t was a fitting conclusion to a
series of historical value, for besides
the rareness of hearing the entire
cycle of violin sonatas, the fact that
these concerts are part of the bi-cen-
tennial commemoration of the death
OF Antonio Stradivari and the Belts"
violin, a perfect example of the max
er's art, was used, made it still more
impressive.
Balancing the "Kreutzer Sonata"
was the Sonata in c Minor Op 80,
No. 2" which many have claimed as
equal Of the Kreutzer in beauty of con-
tent and character of workmanship.
The artists brought to bear on it their
Intelligent analysis, carving each
phrase with expert care and giving the
whole luster of radiant color. Equally
polished in execution was the per-
formance of the Second Sonata from
Opus H." fitting complement to the
two choice works with which it was
programmed.
The quality which Mr.. Busch and
MIR. Serkin infuse into their playing
is something seldom found and is
revelation to their listeners of the
beauty of form and the nobility of
thought in its finest development. The
ovation accorded them was a small
token Of the great enjoyment of those
who had the privilege of hearing them
during this festival series.