Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-07-07
NEWS OF MUSIC
Morovion Festival
Thrills Reviewer


DOM Bach, Johann Chris
toph Friedrich 1.-THE Buckle
burg'') Bach. Luigi Boo
cherini and Ignace Pleyel.
Gehra's viola concerto,
completely unknown except
through q manuscript copy
made by the American COM
poser J. F. Peter. revealed
a composer of considerable
individuality. The three
movement work was charac-
terized by particularly fresh
sounding cadences and ex-
ceptionally lovely ornamen-
tation.
J. C. Roehner is so obscure
a figure that despite careful
search by experts, it was not
possible to discover his first
names, dates Of birth and
death, or any other informa-
ton about his background. 1t
is known that his d major
Symphony. Opus 8, was pub
lished in Amsterdam around
1903, but that is the sum to-
tai Of our knowledge, about
the man and his works.
His symphony is a large
work in the late classic style.
somewhat of the beaten
track due to the inclusion
Of solo violin and flute parts.
Its four movements show the
influence Of Haydn. particu-
larry the robust trio Of the
minuet and the scintillating
finale, but Roehner was
plainly more than an imi-
tator.
Captivated by KrOmmer
Franz Krommer's Sym
phony in C, Opus 1902. was the
feature Of the Festivals
fourth concert. Krommer
was a prolific older con-
temporary of Beethoven, now
forgotten. The two move
ments of this symphony
(that is all the Bethlehem
copyist transcribed. and no
other copy Of the symphony
is known clearly show that
he is worth remembering. The
brilliant first movement,
opening with a harmonically
daring largo leading into an
impetuously romantic allegro.
was as distinctive a piece as
anyone would want to hear,
while the minuet was strong
ly Beethoven. ! heard the
influence of Weber, and was
thoroughly captivated by the
piece.
The only modern work Of
the week was Vittorio Clan
minis rousing "Canticle Of
the Martyrs" commissioned
by the Moravian Music
Foundation in honor of the
500th anniversary Of the es-
Enlistment Of the Moravian
Church. This received its
world premiere.
The Canticle, which makes
use of chorus, orchestra and
baritone soloist, is written in
an eloquent conservative
idiom spiced with occasional
polychords and modern
touches, Giannini makes
wonderful use of the brass
and generates considerable
motor excitement. but the
most impressive section of
the work proved to be q SUBJ
dued chorale. simply har-
monized and touchingly sim
cere.
The Canticle made a deep
impression, and will no doubt
be heard again.
Directed by Thor johnson
The music during the week
was under the direction Of
Thor johnson, dynamic con-
ductor of the Cincinnati
Symphony Orchestra. DR..
johnson had at his COM
mand a topnotch orchestra
composed of excellent instru-
mentalists from various parts
of the country, a ESQ
chorus made up of local sing
ers and registrants for the
seminar, and some excep-
tionally fine soloists.
This was the first oppor-
tunity I have had to observe
DR.. johnson at work. Frank
ly. 1t was something of an
overwhelming experience.
This conductor weaves a
spell around his performers
especially the amateurs in
the chorus) the like of which
I do not recall having seen.
DR.. johnson is a superb psy-
chologist. a dedicated man,
and a brilliant musician. In
an amazingly brief period of
time, he achieves perform
ances of uncanny intensity.
Although the concerts were
as polished and as exciting
as anyone could want, it was
the rehearsals which were
most memorable. Lacking a
formal audience. DR.. john
son was as one possessed,
playing on his combined or
chestra and chorus as a vir-
tuoso plays on his chosen
instrument.
SOlOists Known Here
Five soloists we're heard
during the festival, two
known to Washington audi
ences. Donald Gramm was
superb. as usual. and violist
William Preucil. formerly