Relayed from the People's Palace, Mile End
MAY HUXLEY (Soprano) ; MAURICE COLE (Pianoforte)
THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,
Conducted by Sir LANDON RONALD
A BOUT three weeks sufficed for the writing of Saint-Saens' Second Piano Concerto.
Yet it is one of the most popular of all his five works of this kind.
Saint-Saens was a noted pianist, and. in fact. when his Second Concerto was first played in Paris, nearly sixty years ago. he himself took the solo part, while his friend Rubinstein made his Parisian début as a conductor.
This Concerto is in three Movements.
The First MOVEMENT, beginning with a slowish
Introduction, goes on to the discussion of themes in turn impassioned and calm.
The SECOND MOVEMENT, Quick and playful, is a dainty piece of work. The opening (plucked Strings, to an undercurrent of drum rhythm) is a charming way of launching a Movement. In a moment the Piano sets its capricious dance going, and we know we are in for a jolly time.
The THIRD MOVEMENT (the Finale) is also a very lively piece, in the style of the excitable Tarantella dance.