Symphony Concert Critiques

Joseph Fought

April 19, 1969

...Next came Mr. Paul Lyddon as soloist in the Concerto in C Minor for piano and orchestra by S. V. Rachmaninov. Your correspondent was fortunate enought to have heard the composer perform this work on two occasions and can pay no higher compliment to Mr. Lyddon than to say that the performance evoked memories of those events of many years ago. It is difficult to think of any other work of this genre which contains such a wealth of lyricism, poignancy and just plain beauty. At least two and possibly more of its themes have been successfully converted into popular songs.

Beginning with the nine unaccompanied introductory chords on the piano and through the melancholic second subject, it became obvious that Mr. Lyddon had mastered the spirit of the work. Then, through the development and recapitulation we witnessed a wonderful understanding and collabo- ration of orchestra and solo-ist. From then to the end of the movement they held the audience enthralled. In the slow movement, surely one of the loveliest in the literature, both soloist and orchestra left nothing to be desired in bringing out the nocturne-like beauties of this adagio. The final allegro scherzando, which requires genuine virtuosity from both soloist and orchestra was completely realized. The themes were fully defined, a crescendo of excitement was maintained, the orchestra was superb in the sweeping cantilena and all forces involved brought off a grand finale...