Creates Unique Position tor Herseli at American Debut, Town Hall, N. Y., Thursday, Feb. 23rd
Opinions of Metropolitan Critics :
Marie Novello can register an unqualified success for her New York debut piano recital which took place last night in the Town Hall. She presented a programme the performance of which required a brilliant and facile technique, refined taste and a comprehension of dramatic values. She met these demands valiantly and capably.
She played Scarlatti’s Pastorale and Capriccio with delicate touch and exquisite singing tone. She invested Debussy’s “La Gathedrale Engloutie” with poetic imagination and used the pedals in a manner that reflected utterly the picturesqueness of the work.
Her versatility was shown in the excellent readings of a varied collection of Chopin compositions —the brilliant F minor Fantasia; the B flat Sonata with its ponderous Funeral March and sweeping flood of tone in the final movement; the rhythmic Polonaise, and the haunting waltz, to mention a few of the Polish poet’s works on the list.
Miss Novello has been hailed as one of the most gifted musicians in Wales. When she returns to her native country she will carry with her the sincere admiration of American music lovers.
—New York American, February 24,1922.
She plays with unusual delicacy, yet she is not lacking in the more vigorous elements of piano playing.—N. Y. Evening Telegram, Feb. 24, 1922.
Miss Novello did everything in good form, technically speaking, and she never allowed her feelings to run away with her. Where the music might have rushed and clamored under other hands, she conducted it all becomingly. She is Welsh, and of the type of blonde beauty for which Lady Diana Manners is much admired in England. Her audience was very appreciative. She played Debussy, Scarlatti, Palm-gren, Chopin.—N. Y. World, Feb. 24, 1922.
She seemed to be a player of charm and sentiment. Her tone was musical, her finger work clear and her variety of touch pleasing. In her general work she showed artistic sensibility and she made a favorable impression. Her audience overflowed the auditorium into many seats on the stage.—N. Y. Herald, Feb. 24, 1922.
Her playing had a good deal of charm,—N. Y. Tribune, Feb. 24, 1922.
MUSICAL COURIER