Relayed from the Mumbles Pier Pavilion, Mumbles
The National Orchestra of Wales
(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite
Ernst von Dohnanyi was only twenty when he made his first appearance as a concert pianist, stepping at once into the very front rank of executants. A year later, having won laurels in all the principal music centres of Germany and Austria-Hungary, he appeared with no less success in this country, and, in 1899, in the United States. As a composer he was known at first by his fresh and attractive music for his own instrument; for a good many years, however, he has been steadily gaining wider recognition as a composer of orchestral and chamber music, and latterly of music for the stage. Although making comparatively little use of actual folk tunes, most of his music is strongly characteristic of his native Hungary; it is all distinguished not only by very able craftsmanship, but by a genuine gift of invention, flavoured with a happy sense of laughter. His 'Variations on a Nursery Tune' are already popular in the best sense, alike with pianists and with audiences.
The pantomime from which this Wedding Waltz is taken made its first appearance on the Dresden stage in 1910. In the form of a suite, the music consists of six numbers, of which the Wedding Waltz is the fourth. After a long chord on the whole orchestra, the violins in unison run about in quavers, until the tune enters on flutes, clarinets, and violins, in octaves. This first tune has the chief say in the little movement, although other melodies are heard, one on violins and clarinets, and another on bassoon, violins, and violas. The movement passes through several changes of key, and before the end there is a little repetition of the violin figure from the opening, after which the first tune brings it to an end.
Interlude from the Studio
T. D. Jones (Pianoforte)
Concert (Continued)
