Evening star., 1947-01-10

tered, the applause flowing over his
bowling acknowledgment for several
minutes.
There was not stir among those
present during the playing Of the
three numbers on the program but
when each ended, again the tumult
filled with admiration and affec-
ton. spoke the appreciation Of the
thousands that filled the hall to
capacity. Only on his entrance did
DR.. KoussevitSky accept the recep-
tion for himself. Afterwards, the
splendid body of men that responds
so completely to his leadership, were
beckoned to their feet to share
equally in the triumph.
DR.. Koussevitsky selected three
symphonic works for this program.
They were arranged in a crescendo
of interest from Mendelssohn's
italian Symphony" through De-
bussy's la Mer" to Tschaikowsky's
Symphony No. A." Only once in
recent years has the Debussy work
been heard here. Tt was on the
program which, the Mexican con-
ductor,i Carlos Chavez, directed as
guest conductor of the National
Symphony in 1910.
It is a remarkable revelation OF
the composers genius and of the
tone painting power of the orches-
ira. Never once in the three move
ments does the restless motion OF
the sea abate but continues in
changing rhythm from placid charm
to angry defiance of the storm
winds. Upon this foundation is
erected superstructure of arabes-
ques fashioned from the fantasies
the seas have aroused in the COM
poser. This combination shows his
power at bending the great orches-
tral tone to his delicate imagery
and at the same time, firmness
and breadth of constructive line not
suspected from a composer who
touched lightly and f1eetingly to
create his musical pictures.
In the presenting of such work,
DR.. Koussevitsky is a master. His
is the most poised directing
never hurrying an effect and ap-
preciating the value of quiet and
restrain. The orchestra does not
fashion a pianissimo of almost in
audible quality but it has a subdued
tone of even mellowness that is
richly vibrant In its reduced state.
Its different ingredients, however,
are the conductors concern and
they flash back and forth with
magical intent at his bidding. In
the kaleidoscope Of colorful sound
in Debussy's work, DR.. Kousevitsky
keeps the pattern clear, allowing
each orchestral section its opportu-
mites and infusing the unceasing
movement with a certain calmness.
These mastery characteristics
were employed also in the Mendels-
sohn symphony. The fltnesse with
which the conductor sustained the
spirit of each movement, the velveti-
ness Of tone evoked in the song like
Andante and the climatic vigor of
the finale brought out the fresh and
vernal quality Of the music to its
full appeal.
Yet as artistically conceived and
reproduced as were the first num-
bers Of the program, the summit
was reached in Tschaikowsky's SYM
phony. Here was an understanding
Of profound sympathy and national
|kindship. It was an Interpretation
fired with feeling, intimately aware
Of moods and temperamentally re-
sponsive. To thoroughly know and
appreciate Tschaikowsky one needs
only to hear DR.. Koussevitsky direct
any Of his symphonic works. Then,
the vast emotion, the tremendous
rebellious surges and the profound
depression have a glorious meaning
In q soul speaking. He made: .
gift to the Washington public and
amply repaid its enthusiasm by his
superb performance of this work. g