Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 March 1937 — Page 21

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1037 THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES PAGE Zl

Soloist Ill; Waltzes Are Substituted

Dr. Bakaleinikoff Directs Local Symphony; Next Concert April 20.

Our dynamic and scholarly “neighhor,” Dr. Vladimir Bakaleinikoff, associate conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, returned to the Murat last evening to conduct the Indianapolis Sym-

phony Orchestra in its penul- | timate concert of the sub-|

scription series.

Miss Elma Igelman. local soprano, who was to have been the soloist, |

was unable to appear because of ill-

ness, and in place of her two arias | Johann Strauss’ “Artist's Life” | |

waltzes were substituted.

In place of any bombastic or tu- |

multuous overture to begin the eve-

ning's music. Dr. Bakaleinikoff chose |

the quiet and atmospheric Prelude

to Mussorgskv's opera, “Kovanst- | china.” It is a work of tvpically |

Russian character, and one in which

the conductor was thoroughly at |

home, Franck Work Not Satisfying Cesar Franck's D Minor Symphony followed in a periormance which was not wholly satisfying, due mainly to tonal difficulties among the various choirs, There was nothing to cavil about in the] second movement, which was sung | forth in all its lyric loveliness. The first movement especially, however, suffered from dryness of tone in| the strings and some tardy re- | sponses in the brass. It also has seemed to this listen- | er all season that the ensemble | would be improved by elevating the brass section, as has been done before. That impression was heightened during last night's symphony. As for the conductor's all-im-portant part in the symphony’s reading, it was notable for an admirable choice of tempi and the broad feeling for the general design. The Lento introduction to the first movement moved smoothly to the main theme, and its return later in the movement did not impede the music's progress, as so often happens.

Share in Ovation

Dr. Bakaleinikoff and the violin section shared equally in the ovation that followed the conductor's transcription of the Prelude to Bach's E Major Sonata (originally for violin alone). The first and second fiddles rose to their feet, as soloists should, and proceeded with an exciting and musicianly demonstration of ‘mass virtuosity.” The modest transcriber joined in the audience's applause. He might well have shared it, for the orchestral accompaniment is colorful and in excellent taste, and mounts to a thrilling finale. The Strauss waltzes were played admirably, despite their newness to the orchestra and a hurried preparation. Dr. Bakaleinikoff read them with evident affection and impeccable style, and called forth all their sparkling gaiety. The “Romeo and Juliet” Overfure of Tschaikowsky, which closed the concert. was satisfying in all respects. This work “wears” as well as any of the composer's works. It has less of his oft-times annoying mannerisms. and the “love music” alone is worth repeated hearings.

Has Thorough Knowledge

Dr. Bakaleinikoff, as we have learned before, brings to his task a thorough knowledge of the orchestra both as player and conductor. He goes straight to the heart of the music at hand and, without any histrionics. delivers a forthright but artistic interpretation. If now and again a phrase is not turned with all the nicetv one might wish, there never is any undue lingering over details at the expense of the whole. His listeners receive a composite picture of a composition, with contrast and climax. Dr. Bakaleinikoff, in short, is an artist whose sane, healthy and durable musicianship may be welcomed repeatedly and with enthusiasm, The season's final concert, on April 20, will find Mr. Schaefer again in charge and with Rudolph Ganz, pianist, as soloist. (By J. QT)

SONG COMPOSER TO TURN ACTOR

Times Special HOLLYWOOD, March 24-—Sig-mund Romberg is about to turn actor, The composer of “Maytime,” “The Student Prince” and other scores will face the camera to show the evolution of a song.

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The subject is based on his “A IL.ove Song of Long Ago,” the haunting melody he wrote for “They Gave Him a Gun.” The picture will show how Romberg got his idea, the routine of working out the melody, Romberg and his musical secretary working out its melodies on two pianos, its orchestration, and finally its rendition as a finished number in the picture. W. 8S. Van Dvke is directing Gladys George, Spencer Tracy and Franchot Tone in the picture.

LUISE RAINER ADDS GLAMOUR Timer Special HOLLYWOOD, March 24 —With the coveted 1937 Academy award in her possession, Luise Rainer is being groomed by experts as one of the year's most glorified glamor stars. First, she has changed her jetblack hair to red for her role with William Powell in “The Emperor's Candlesticks.” Next, Adrian has taken her into his care to establish her as one of the leading fashion influences of the screen. Miss Rainer changed her hair upon the suggestion of George Fitzmaurice, director of “The Emperor's Candlesticks.”

LUISE GUARDED

Luise Rainer’s Scotty, Johnny, accompanies the star on the set dur-

ing the entire filming of her pictures,

Spriugtime.. Lovetime...Maytime and themost thrilling singing sweethearts the screen has-ever known to brifig you carefree rapture and romantic ecstacy... The tender romance of two souls that become, one as their voices blend in love-swept song...golden melodies from the gifted pen of Sigmund Romberg... Following in the triumphant path of "Naughty Marietta” and “Rose Marie", Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer brings'you another unforgettable picture with the same great stars, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, plus a brilliant cast including John Barrymore and Herman Bing. Directed and produced by the entertainment masters who thrilled you with "The Great Ziegteld.” A METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE with HERMAN BING « TOM BROWN

Directed by ROBERT Z. LEONARD * Produced by HUNT STROMBERG (They made “The Great Ziegfeld’: together)

PRE - RELEASE ENGAGEMENT! By special arrangement, this city will > the first oe Ns 3 = ; : . | . : . , : ; . : ) FRIDAY At... Ary ms “LET'S GET MARRIED”