Evening star., 1938-04-23

! IL
~ by the Coolidge Quartet last
evening at the Library Of
Congress in the series which will fea-
ture the music Of q different country
at each concert. Paul Hindemith, Max
Roger and Heinrich Won Herzogenberg
were the three composers chosen.
Hindemith's chamber music already
has been performed at the concerts
given under the Elizabeth Sprague
Coolidge Foundation, but Won Her
zogenberg. member of the famous
circle of Brahms friends which in
cluded the Schumanns and Joachim,
was made known as composer for the
first time. Roger, as a writer of cham
Der music. was also novelty on this
special program.
The Quartet in G, op. ~, No. 3"
by Won Herzogenberg is music Of an
other era, but not Of the quality OF
the circle Of famous composers whose
music was constantly a part Of his
life. Yet he. more than the others,
perhaps, bears a thoroughly national
stamp and remains within the
boundary which it imposed on him.
It is pleasing as to its material and
holds genuineness of thought which
is developed fluently and skillfully If
without any special distinctive fea-
lures. The chief interest last evening
lay in the contrast which his quartet
formed for the compositions which
followed it.
The music of Hindemith remains
always an intriguing affair for,
whether liked or not, it cannot be
dismissed in light fashion Although
his method of composition does not
carry general appeal, the sincerity
OF his personal belief and a sound
ness OF form stand out in relief against
the unfamiliarity OF his harmonies.
1t is not music which can be Judged
at f1rst hearing, yet its fundamental
earnestness is haunting and the con-
Vlction cannot be denied that the
theory which he advocates will come
Wltnln the focus of present-day UNDER
standing eventually and bear its influ-
ence on future composition.
A product Of the period when he
mad at last achieved recognition AZ
composer of brilliant and unusual tai.
ent' MS first trio, op. "a. Programmed
last evening, is representative II less
impressive, than other of his works.
Played by Nicolai Berezowsky sec
ono violin; Nicolas Moldavan. violist
ana victor Gottlieb, cellist, it was
given a carefully worked out perform
ance oy these splendid artists. In
the new form which Hindemith has
developed. he introduced moments If
real beauty which strangely conform
10 tne general scheme of his idea. Yet
the ef1ect still remains. from the linn
ited opportunity Of hearing it. that
Hlnoemith's tdiom is q speech whose
power and genuine intention are ar
resting.
The final number on the program
was Regars Quartet in E fsat an
l0s," work which is permeated With
tnat particular and distinctive lyric
color which this composer has made
his own. It is unlabored in. its pro-
gresslon and occasionally brishtens
INTO loveliness of theme of great
individuality. Especially were its more
expansive moments felt in the last
movements.
The Coolidge Quartet, faced with 4
less appealing task in this program,
gave it the benefit Of their fine musi-
cal intuition to the same degrees a.
IN preceding concerts. Their splendid
musicianship was to be admired once
more and the audience, less in num-
oer than at the first two perform
ances, was demonstrativs In It, ap-
! probation.