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WINNETKA TALK February 11, 1928 Music News and Events PRAISES GRADOVA'S "AMAZING ARTISTRY" Critic Finds Famed Pianist Has Limitless Source of Power and Profound Dignity by Rutheda L. Pretzel We came away from the concert by the Little Symphony Orchestra of Chicago last Monday evening, at New Trier high school, with the feeling that any concert given by that orches- tra was worth while, and that Mon- day's program was especially worth attending. It was the kind of a pro- gram that leaves one feeling mellowed and full of music. Perhaps it was because Gita Gradova, pianist, showed such amazing artistry-- virtuosity plus astounding ease--a com- bination guaranteed to thrill. Or per- haps it .was the ever-increasing im- provement in the orchestra tone, or the new seating that gives a better ensemble to the strings. So far as the attacks and general ensemble were concerned, the usual precision seemed to be missing Monday night, but so much has been gained in feeling and interpretation that one could afford to overlook occasional slips. Reminiscent of Novaes Gitta Gradova's playing is compar- able to that of Guiomar Novaes, who appeared in these parts last year. When we mentioned the comparison to Mme. Gradova, she said Novaes is her favorite woman pianist. They both have a limitless source of power, pro- found dignity and highly-trained fing- ers. Mme. Gradova played the Grieg "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, A Minor, Opus 16," which gave her plenty of opportunities to display del- icacy or strength. Having mastered the technical points, she was able to give a sensitive and poetic interpreta- tion of the work. One watched her and heard her with a great deal of pleasure. The orchestral accompani- ment was fair. Mme. Gradova ac- knowledged the enthusiastic applause with "Rush Hour in Hong Kong," by Chasins, and later with "Alt Wien," by Godowsky. Compositions leaning toward the lighter vein made up the orchestra's own program. Glazounow's Overture, "Solennelle," was worked up steadily to a brilliant climax, and Schumann's second and third movements from the Symphony No. 4, were given with beautiful expression. It was good mel- ody playing without sticky sentimental- ism. Charmingly Played "Thousand and One Nights," one of the lovely Strauss waltzes, followed Mme. Gradova's concerto, and it looked for a while as if the applause would draw a repetition. However, Mr. Dasch lifted the baton and the or- chestra offered a graceful encore, "Spring Morning Serenade," which was daintily handled. Tschaikowsky's "Theme and Variations," from Suite No. 3, Opus 55, completed the pro- gram. This last number held twelve delightful variations on a theme, end- ing in a brilliant polonaise. All were charmingly played. - Reports of the afternoon concert are that Norman Hess, a youthful New Trier high school pianist and pupil of Walter Knupfer, proved to be a normal boy playing with astonishing artistry. He was a sensation, and he received hearty applause from his fellow-stu- dents. He played the third movement Share Uptown Civic Program One of the outstanding events in the current season's program of civic matinees held in the Aragon ballroom in the heart of Chicago's great Uptown area, is promised Sunday afternoon, February 12, American soprano of the Paris Opera company, shares the program with Jose Echaniz, celebrated Cuban pianist. markable combination of talent is to be found in an adjoining column. when Mary McCormic, More information about this re- Macbeth, Dux, Tibbett, Music Festival Artists Performances of the Chicago North Shore Music Festival to be held in Patten gymnasium, Northwestern uni- versity campus, have been scheduled for May 21 to 26, inclusive. Artists of international reputation who have been retained for this season's con- certs include, in the order of their ap- pearance, Margaret D'Alvarez, con- tralto, of the Metropolitan Opera com- pany; Richard Crooks, Continental opera favorite; Dorothy Speare, no- velist and opera star; Florence Mac- beth, Claire Dux and Lawrence Tib- bett, the latter three so well known as to require no introduction to local mu- sic lovers. North Shore Artists to Give Festival Program North shore artists of note are scheduled to have the leading roles in the opening concert of the 20th Jubilee season of the Chicago North Shore Music Festival association Monday, May 21. Listed among these notables are Isabel Richardson Molter, soprano, 325 Central avenue, Wilmette; Alvene Ressiguie, contralto, soloist at the First Presbyterian church of Evans- ton; Eugene Dressler, tenor, soloist at the First Methodist church of Evans- ton; and Rollin M. Pease, bass-bari- tone, soloist of St. Mark's church of Evanston, who will make their debut singing parts in the Manzoni Requiem of Verdi. of the Concerto in G Minor for piano and orchestra, by Saint-Saens. Mr. Roland D. Whitman, president of the New Trier Township Orchestral association, which sponsors the con- certs by the Little Symphony orchestra, made a plea for re-subscriptions by patrons for next year's series, asking that cards be signed and checks be sent to the office not later than April 1,.in order to give the association an idea of the support it will have next year. Last Historical Recital to Treat Modern Composers The third and last of this season's Historical piano and violin recitals given by Walter Spry, pianist, and Valona Brewer, violinist, will be heard Thursday evening, Febru- ary 16, at 8 o'clock in the Woman's club at Winnetka. These recitals have occasioned great interest in north shore music circles. Mr. Spry is well known both as an artist of first quality and through his associ- ation with the Co- lumbia School of Music. Mrs. Brew- er, a resident of Winnetka, is one of the most popular recitalists in the Chicago area and has appeared many times before north shore audiences. The following interesting 'program of modern masters will be presented: Walter Spry Study: The Chase .. Paganini-Liszt Legend of St. Francis Walking on the Waves Liszt 2. American Group Poeme Raymond Allyn Smith Rigaudon Leo Sowerby Valona Brewer Mr. Smith at the piano 3. Scottish Legend ....... Mrs. Beach Bear Dance ....o. cienivee. Bartoh Bre'er Rabbiti......-o.. MacDowell Portrait Walter Spry A Sailor's Song H. Balfour Gardner Mr. Spry 4. Suite for Violin and Piano York Bowen Allegro Moderato Valona Brewer--Raymond Allyn Smith MARY MCCORMIC NEXT CIVIC MATINEE ARTIST Famed Opera Singer Will Share Program With Jose Echaniz, Cuban Pianist Sunday afternoon, February 12, the third of the series of Uptown Civic Matinees will be given in the Aragon, Lawrence avenue, at the "I," Chicago. The artists on this program will be Mary McCormic, soprano, and Jose Echaniz, Cuban pianist, Miss McCor- mic will be accompanied by Jean Dan- sereau. Mary McCormic has recently return- ed from notable European triumphs. most of which were achieved with the Paris Opera company. Her rise from church choir singer in Arkansas to grand opera star startled Chicagoans a few years ago. Her first opera ap- pearance was with the Chicago Civic Opera company, in Carmen, as a pro- tege of the great Mary Garden. The appearance of this dainty and diminu- tive artist, with her charming and beautifully cultivated voice is indeed a notable event eagerly anticipated by the patrons of the Uptown Civic Ma=- tinees. Jose Echaniz made his first public musical appearance at the age of 6 vears, when he was declared an infant prodigy. His ability was early recog- nized by the tenor, Tito Schipa, who brought him to America on a concert tour at 19 years of age. Today, at 22, he is outstanding among the world's finest pianists, and has won recogni- tion from coast to coast in America. That he is one of the greatest expo- nents of Spanish music and Cuban dancing is natural, considering his loyalty to the traditions of his Spanish forefathers, and to Cuba, the land of his birth. This will be his second appearance in Uptown Chicago. He is returning at the specific request of the patrons of these civic events. The Program Following is the program for Sun- day's concert: Caro mio ben .. .. Giordani Stizzoso Mio Pergolese Nevicata ...... Respighi Stornellatrice . .... Respighi Miss McCormic i Scherzo, B flat minor .......... Chopin Prelude... i. verre Chopin Polonaise, A flat ............... Chopin Mr. Echaniz Petites Litanies de Jesus ...... Grovlez La Fleur de Pecher ............ Grovlez Fantoches: .. ch... viene venoves Debussy L'lle _Hourcuse ... cuss ssa Chabrier Miss McCormic Caprice-Burlesque ........ Gabrilowitsch Prelude ..:=.s. ....%.... 5. La Violette Allegro de Concierto ......... Granados Mr. Echaniz When I am Laid in Earth . Purcell Nymphs and Shepherds . Purcell Under the Moon ....... Bantock 'The: Appeal. ....-:.. Goossens The Roadside Fire .. The Odalisque .. John Alden Carpenter Light, My Light .. John Alden Carpenter Miss McCormic Eleventh Rhapsody ............... Mr. Echaniz Vaughan Williams Gordon String Quartet Gives Sunday Concerts Sunday afternoon, February 5, the first of a series of six chamber music concerts by the Gordon String quartet was given in the James Simpson thea- tre of Field Museum of Natural His- tory, Chicago. The other five con- certs are scheduled for February 19, March 11 and 25, and April 8 and 15. These concerts are given under the auspices of the Chicago Chamber Mu- sic society, which will charge a smail admission fee. LE a RPT 2] gmt oi ns Of i