Morawetz New Success
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, under Walter Susskind gave the world premiere on
radio last week (CBC) of the memorial work for the late President Kennedy
composed by Dr. Oskar Morawetz, renowned Czechoslovakian born musician who has
been a Canadian citizen for the past two decades.Last year's winner of the
$1,000 commissioned work for the MSO and a pianist of the first magnitude, I met
Dr. Morawetz when he accompanied Jan Rubes in a recital for the N.D.G. Community
Concert Series. I was naturally very interested to hear his new work, since he
sent me a letter informing me of its performance on the CBC.
The nature of the work does not call for applause on this solemn anniversary,
therefore one would not know public reaction. It is a really beautiful
composition that will last, the contrapuntal structure and blending of
instruments are done in harmony emphasizing the sadness of the event. Called
"Passacaglia on a Chorale by Bach" this Morawetz memorial piece was broadcast
first on the program followed by a Beethoven Overture and Concerto with soloist
Daniel Barenboin.
