Evening star., 1941-10-17

his desire to create a friendly atmo
newcomers to the city to speak with
their neighbors if they so wished
or to come to him for personal
introduction to someone they might
wish to know.
In keeping with the plan of
achieving a more intimate feeling
in the large D. A. r. hall, the stage
was given a cozier appearance by
the placement of screens against
the tapestry. Large ornate chairs
and a floor lamp added to the ef-
feet.
The first group of numbers was
played by Mr.. Stewart, who has
already an enviable reputation here
from his guest conducting of the
National Symphony Orchestra. The
characteristics that made his di-
recting distinctive also we're present
| in his solo performance. His tech
nique has a quality of lightness and
crispness to it that gives sparkling
color to his tone.
Beginning with Lully's Air Ten
Dire" he progressed through the del
icate imagery Of Rameau's Tam
bourin" and Scarlatti's "Pastorale"
and "Capriccio" to Bach's prelude
and Fugue in B fiat minor" and
"Toccata and Fugue in D minor, 4"
the latter in his own arrangement.
The calm line of the early classics
was given with wealth of nuanceS
representative Of an exceptionally
sensitive musical nature. But it was
in the Bach works that he eXcelled,
infusing them with minute shad-
ings and in technical passages. with
extraordinary f1uidity and a rip
pling brightness. His success was
great and immediate, calling for an
encore for which he played Bach's
famous "Jesu, Joy of Mans Desir-
ing"
Few opportunities are offered the
local public to hear superb cello
playing and Mr. Feuermann's art
soon made the lack apparent. In
the highest acceptance Of the word.
he is a virtuoso of the cello. and
one who has attained complete
union of the mechanical and
spiritual understanding of music.
His performance of the Brahms
Sonata in F Major" assisted most
ably by Franz Rupp at the piano,
was breathtaking with emotional
beauty and transcendant brilliancy.
Master of a bow that does his will
with complete disregard of diff
culties, carrying a bite and spring
of unusual quality he played with
an abandon and fire that struck
deep to the roots of the music with
out any perception of technical pit
falls. The beautiful sonata spoke
its message through perfect me-
dium. an interpreter that bends the
full power of a rounded artistry TO
an expressive end.
A second group of numbers was
offered by each artist after the in
termission which this reviewer was
unable to hear. Program notes COM
piled by Edward Waters contributed
to the enjoyment of the program.
Good Neighbor Series Closes.
At the Pan-American Union, the
Good Neighbor" broadcast by the
National Broadcasting Co. was con-
cluded with a gala program in the
Hall of the Americas before dis
tinguished audience. The N. B. c.
Symphony Orchestra directed by Dr..
Frank Black was brought from New
York and soloStS of this final pro-
gram we're Emma Otero. Cuban
soprano, and Albert Spalding,
viohnlSt.
An elevated stage, constructed for
the occasion. gave the audience
better view of the musicians and
added so much to the appreciation
of the performance that it is to be
hoped the new arrangement will be-
come a permanent one for further
concerts. The lack of a proper
stage has long been drawback for
the interesting programs the union
has provided. Yesterdays nova
ton not only gave the proper pro-
fessional touch but added dignified
setting for both orchestra and
SoloistS.
The program was excellently
chosen and excellently played by the
famous orchestra which Dr. Black
directed with spirit and authority.
The volume of sound was perhaps
little too great for the character Of
the hall, but the fine details of in
depreciation were clearly marked
and we'll balanced
Chosen as representative works
from different countries in the
union for this part of the program
were Jubilee from Chadwick's
Symphonic Sketches; Alberto Will
liams' "Poeme des Cloches," Oscar
Lorenzo Fernandez's "Batuque,'
dance from the opera "Malazarte"
and Lecuona's S "Malaguena.
Mr.. Spalding's numbers consisted
of the Andante and Rondo from
Lalo's Symphonic Espagnole" and
Bach's Air for the G String" The
noted violinist was in splendid form
and gave a superb performance of
the Lalo work, where both the
beauty of his tone-given ample
play in the Bach "Air"-and his
mastery technique could be appre-
ciated. The pearl-like coloratura Of
Miss Oteros voice had brilliant dis
play in the aria Gentle de cupre"