Coral Gables Historical Archive
Coral Gables Riviera-Times
Friday, August 29, 1947, page 11 (of 12)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
Critic Finds Minor Fluffs Fail to Mar 'Satisfying' Philharmonic Performance
Tuesday evening's concert of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Coral Gables proved to be one of the most satisfying of the entire series. The orchestral numbers, under the direction of Oliver Washburn, were uniformly well-done and were well-received; the soloist, Coloratura Soprano Faye Drazin, proved surprisingly good, and the original composition, "Danse Vivace," by Judy Strubhar, reflected credit not only on the composer, but on the entire organization. Faye Drazin's solos, chosen obviously for the brilliant coloratura cadenzas involved, showed off the singer's technical ability and warmth of tone to great advantage. Unfortunately, the high note at the end of the "Traviata" number proved to be a mistake in judgment, and, of course, detracted considerably from the over all finish of the performance. Miss Drazin, ably accompanied by Eleanor Clark Linton, performed two encores to enthusiastic applause. The August selection of the J. P. Riddle Foundation for Orchestral Composition was most certainly a step in the right direction. Miss Judy Strubhar's "Danse Vivace" was chosen, and well-chosen. Miss Strubhar shows every sign of real power in invention, in conception, and in the technic of orchestration. This reviewer feels that the number, which borders on the qualities of a tone-poem, suffers from the title given, and would suggest the search for a more literate, literary title. Miss Strubhar conducted her own work, and did a competent, workmanlike job, although it is this writer's experience and belief that most composer-conductors can not see the forest for the trees. Be that as it may, Miss Strubhar's composition indicates a great future for itself and its composer. The orchestra, under Mr. Washburn's direction, did a very capable job on the bulk of a difficult and interesting program. The Brahms "Academic Festival" overture, after a very uncertain and wavering first two minutes, emerged as a generally fine and well-rounded performance. The two Scriabine fragments were beautifully played and interpreted. In these latitudes such music is heard all too rarely, and a broader unfamiliar to the majority; but the reception these two intaglios of sound elicited proved that they are warmly welcomed. The "Henry VIII" dances were well played and interpreted in the traditional manner, as was the Mozart number. This was probably the only performance on record where the Debussy "Clair de Lune" opened with a tremendous tympani roll, the drummer apparently laboring under the delusion that the orchestra was starting the next selection. Although startled beyond measure the orchestra and conductor settled down and gave a noteworthy performance of the Debussy opus. The selections from "The New Moon" were well-played and gave great pleasure to the large and enthusiastic audience. The next concert in this series will be held on September 30th. -ARS LATA
From Detroit
From Detroit, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Harley Layow are leasing a Coral Gables home at 716 Avenue Majorca. Mr. Layow is a marine engineer and their son, Harley, Jr., is called "Huckie".