Evening star., 1946-11-04

sonal quality left over to beautify
the rest of the program.
His admirers enjoyed his perform
ance to the fullest, however. and
especially the last portion Of the
program which consisted OF Bachs
"Air for the G String" the Brahms
Joachim's Hungarian Dance No. 4
| In B minor" and Sarasate's "Zigeun-
erweisen."
Everett Stevens Performs.
A recital that was filled with in
terest both from the program and
the talent Of the artist, was that
given by Everett Stevens in the Ma
tional Gallery last night. This
highly gifted pianist appeared also
as a composer of two numbers on
program that featured only works
by Americans. For this concert he
wrote a Sonata No. 2" which set
him Immediately forth as progress
siye writer Of wide vision, and pro-
grammed also three gay, delightful
pieces entitled Ten O'Clock Hoe
Down." Might Piece" and "Etude-
Caprice"
Not only has the sonata a rich
substance of thought and emotion
but In his expression of these ele-
ments, Mr.. Stevens has employed
opulent means that call out force
full effects from the instrument. In
spite. of its serious character in idea
and style, the composer has main
tanned great clarity in form. Be-
sides the originality in tonal color
ing, the work has q striking dra-
matte content climaxed by the
stately religious motif of its ending.
This churchly chant is used also in
the second section which separates
the more passionate utterance of
the first and third. The whole Is
played without pause, the effect
being enhanced by the continuity.
Mr.. Stevens presented two num-
bers by associates Of his at the Pea
body Conservatory in Baltimore
where he is on the faculty Of the
preparatory department. "Sonatina
No. 3" is another work from the pen
of young Walter Spencer Huffman
whose skill has moved strongly for
ward since he was first introduced
here by his piano Concerto No. l."
His angular style, however, has not
yet smoothed itself out to a free in
dividualisrn. Amazing grace, how
sweet the sound" one of the three
chorale preludes by Scott Watson, Is
a vignette of rare beauty in which
the composer has created q tone
picture with a remarkable economy
of means. 1t Is the most striking
Of the preludes although 'I'll never
turn back no more" and Weeping
Mary" are equally examples of his
generous musical gifts and sensitive
feeling.
Werner Josten's charming "Danc-
ing Leaves" was given first local
hearing and Bernard Wagenaar's
powerful "Ciacona" was performed
for the second time. Paul Cres-
tons Prelude" and the Ballet
Suite" from Thomas Simmons And
the Twain Do Meet" rounded out
the program that concluded with
AtC RiCSCo Wy >IIlACo.
AS pianist and as 4 composer,
Mr.. Stevens art continues to broad
en- and deepen. Each number dis
closed fresh insights Of his thought
full musical approach and brilliant
technical equipment that has been
developed to an expressive end. The
maturity of concept in his compost
tions and his ability to state 1t in
individual and telling manner marks
him as a writer Of great promise.
Peruvian Soprano introduced.
The first Sunday afternoon con-
cert this season in the Pan Amer
ican Union introduced young
Peruvian soprano. Leonor Arenas,
In n recital that featured principally
songs by Peruvian composers. Miss
Arenas has presented the works by
her compatriots over the radio and
has had besides career in motion
pictures and In concerts. She sang
with sentiment that disclosed fully
the meiodic charm and variety COM
manded by composers Arias, Nor
ales. Farfan and Valderrama.
Many of these songs, however, did
not reveal Miss Arenas voice to the
best advantage. 1t has power in
the upper register not equalled in
the lower and a natural fIexibility
that was given an opportunity to
be heard only occasionally. The
quality Is sweet and true and Miss
Arenas tonal production Is easy.
She is appreciative Of the text and