Evening star., 1951-11-07
By Alice Eversman

The charitable aim Of the New
York Philharmonic orchestra's
concert to assist the Relief Fund
for the Children of Greece, last
night brought a distinguished
audience headed by President and
Mrs. Truman to fill Constitution
Hall to capacity. The orchestra's
Greek-born conductor, Dimitri
Metropolous. presented for a first
hearing Gabriel Pierne's transcript
ton for orchestra of Franck's
prelude, Chorale and Fuge" and
d'Indy's "Trilogy Wallenstein.'
beside introducing a new pianist.
Gina Bachauer, as his soloist. Miss
Bachauer, who made her first
public appearance in Athens under
MIR. Metropolous' direction. was
heard in Rachmaninoff's Con
certo No. g."
The influence of Rachmaninoft,
with whom she studied the con-
certo, showed in Miss Bachauer's
playing. She is one of the few
pianists who comes close to dupli-
eating the special quality Of tone
the composer produced in his
piano soloist role, and to his grasp
Of the concerto's style. 1t is work
that requires a modern virtuosity
as also fire and poetry.
These are outstanding featues OF
Miss Bachauer's performance and
reached a climax in an exception
ally brilliant delivery Of the finale.
There are times when her tone
has not quite enough point and
power to penetrate the orchestral
background but its mellowness
gave particular expressiveness to
the lovely Intermezzo. Such daz-
zling technical effects as are found
In the CadenZa were easily taken
care Of and showed the artists
buoyant, fluent dispatch.
The ovation accorded her at the
close was the high spot of the
program. The arrangement OF
Franck's piano work for the
larger medium does not benefit it.
So much that is effective for the
solo instrument is lost in the
orchestral distribution and its diff
fusion weakens the entire Struc-
ture. Mr.. Mitropoulos' directing Of
it tended to the stolid side, sol
that it moved with lack of vitality.
D'Indy's early attempt to give
a musical picture Of certain por-
tions Of Schiller's dramae WAL |
lenstein," offered another interest
ing view of his style in large form.
Three episodes were chosen, "Wal-
lenstein's Camp" the romantic
history of Max and Thekla," and
Death of Wallenstein. 1t is a
taxing subject and, here and there,
the composer felt the weight OF
it. But the drama of the first and
last movements is portrayed with
fiery spirit and the love story with
a youthful tenderness.
The "Trilogy" abounds with
high peaks where the composer
achieves his most telling effects
and valleys where the pace slack |
ems. The emotional content OF the
work is strong throughout and
would be more potent with a
more imaginative treatment. Mr..
Mitropoulos' reading seemed to
underline its Wagnerian influence
rather than the surging roman
ticism that appeared to inspire the
composer. The orchestra, excel
lently disciplined and finely toned.
was capable Of greater sensitivityl
In coloring than was asked for.
The Ambassador of Greece,
Athanase Politis, brought the
thanks of Queen Frederika. whose
project the relief fund is, to Mrs.
Truman, who sponsored the event,
and to all the members Of the
organization, in a short speech
following the playing of "The Star
Spangled Banner" and the Greek
anthem. Two small children in
Greek costumes presented Mrs.
Truman with sheaf of red roses.