First Local Performance Prize-Winning Concerto
TORONTO composer Oskar Morawetz shared
honors with pianist Anton Kuerti, conductor Walter Susskind and the Toronto Symphony in Massey Hall last night.
It would seem, in fact, that Dr. Morawetz could take top billing as his Piano Concerto No.1 was given its first local performance.
The prize-winning work was premiered by the Montreal Symphony two years ago, with Kuerti as soloist. It has been played in many other places since.
On Thursday morning the current performance will be recorded by Capital Records in Massey Hall and will be available sometime during the summer.
WORTH REPEATING
Dr. Morawetz has given
us a rewarding concerto and there is no reason why it should not gain a wide following. In three movements that are unbroken it discloses some old world charm but is vibrant with freshness and
imagination.
He has made good use of the solo instrment [sic] and Kuerti played it with remarkable insight. The music is often original in its conception and has a fullness that holds attention. There are some exciting
passages for the brass but Dr. Morawetz has spread his creative ability across all sections.
The concerto is a worthy addition to his expanding output.
[...]
ON TOES
The orchestra under Mr. Susskind's guidance was on its toes for the freshness of the Morawetz and only occasionally did it falter in the Mendelssohn.
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