Evening star., 1938-04-29
British Music
Presented by
artet
Elgar, Bridge and
Vaughan.Williams
Represented.
BY ALICE EVERSMAN.

by Allie ENEhSMAN.
n OR its second from the last con-
~ cert Of the series presenting
programs Of different nation
alities at the Library of Con-
greSs, the Coolidge Quartet chose
compositions by English writer's includ-
ing the Quartet in E minor, Op. 83' by
Edward Elgar, the Sonata for Violin
and Piano" by Frank Bridge and a
cycle of six songs by Ralph Vaughan
Williams are still prominent leaders
sent the best of the outstanding talent
IN England for the last half century,
a fame which has been accorded them
also in other countries.
The life story of each of these men
Is that of musical talent which
would not be denied its expression in
spite of endeavors to turn them to a
more customary occupation than that
of music creation. Each brought his
talent to full Towering late in life,
yet so unqueStionable was the quality
of that talent that it received immedi-
ate recognition. Sir Edward Elgar died
four years ago but Bridge and Vaughn
are SUI ledUcTS
OF musical activity in England
The quartet which the Coolidge En-
semble performed is one of the finest
OF Cigars output with none of the
faults to which he was some times
won't to succumb, in evidence Begin
ming with theme of passionate in
tenslty, he carries it along with un-
diminished fervor, giving it emphasis
by the few measures of lyric song
by which it is interrupted In the
second movement he has written a
lovely interlude, exquisite in it's at
mosphere. to be followed by another
brilliant example of his creative power
in the finale.
Dedicated to Elizabeth Sprague
Coolidge. Bridges Sonata for Violin
and Piano was the high light OF the
program. 1t is richly constructed,
alternating imaginativeness with po-
etical beauty. Although ranking
among the first in the list of modern
lists, and at one time accused of over
stepping, the bonds Of tolerance in his
Use of modern idiom, the sonata is
not to be classed with those works
which are a result of a desire to be
extreme. Its genuineness, its sub
stance and its form are full of origi-
nality yet bearing the stamp of true
genius.
violinist himself, the composer has
given the instrument every advantage,
producing a work which should be
aft l,o
OF the violin. William Kroll, the emf
nent first vloliniSt of the Coolidge
Quartet, and Frank Sheridan, pianist,
whose splendid playing is one of the
pleasures OF the Library concerts,
gave 1t a highly artistic performance.
For Williams song cycle,
"On Wenlock Edge" the quartet and
Mr. Sheridan provided the background
for its interpreter, Roco Contini, tenor.
Mr.. Contini gave the six songs with
dramatic spirit. bringing an interesting
variety OF shading to his performance.
Particularly lovely was his soft intona-
tion Of From Far, from Eve and
Morning" "Is My Team Ploughing"
and the charming "Oh, When Was in
Love With You" The songs are me-
lodic In character yet wit ha distinct
tlnge OF individuality, and draw on
the artistic resources of the singer.
The unusual accompaniment blend
Ing beautifully with the voice. created
an atmosphere of subtle quality.
large audience was in attendance.
The final concert, which will feature
American compositions, will be given
tomorrow afternoon.