Felix Cherniavsky - Maud Allan Australia Tour 1914

Added 18th Mar 2022 by Beth Dobson (Archives and Programming Assistant, DCD) / Last update 18th Mar 2022

Maud Allan 687a 51 2008-1-35.jpg
Maud Allan 687a 51 2008-1-35.jpg
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Felix Cherniavsky - Maud Allan Australia Tour 1914

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Maud Allan Research Collection
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MAITLAND MERCURY 10/11/1914 9 AMUSEMENTS MAUD ALLAN AND THE CHERNIAVSKYS Maud Allan who is admitted to be the world's greatest classical dancer , appeared at the town hall last night , in conjunction with the great trio of Russian musicians , Leo Jan and Mischel Cherniavsky . The latter have been heard several times previously in Maitland , but it was the famous dancers first appearance . Unfortunately , the weather mitigated against a large attendance . Aheavy storm broke over the district early in the evening , and while it rained very heavily out at Cessnock and the South Maitland coalfields , from which good support was suspected , the rain was pretty heavy and constant in town , up till and beyond the hour of starting . The back part of the hall was crowded , but the reserved seats and the body of the hall were poorly patronised . However , if there was a lack of patronage , there a was not of appreciation . The musical numbers of the Cherniavskys both collectively and individually were a great treat , each having a most enthusiastic reception , and everything ons was tumultously encored . They opened with a Bache ( sic ) trio for pianoforte , violin , and violincello- allegro , adante ( sic ) expressivo and Allegro Molto et Appasionata , in which the brothers acquitted themselves brilliantly , responding to an enthusiastic encore with Braham's ( sic ) waltz . Mischel Cherniavsky played with captivating charm three'cello numbers , " Le Cynge " ( Saint Saens ) , Serenade ( Herbert ) and Hungarian / Rhapsodiel Fischer ) and was twice encored . Jan Cherniavsky distinguished himself in his playing of Chbpin's Nocturne , " Valse " and " Polonaise in A Major ' in which the contrasts were so clearly marked as to enable him to exhibit the finest qualities he possesses . He has a marvellous touch a facility of execution seldom seen in a pianist and the varied tones of the instrument are beautifully brought out showing at once the true artist . Indeed it is difficult to determine which of the brothers standa highest in the musical art , though we must confess our leanings go out to the brilliant Jan , in the violin solo " Carmen Fantasie ( 1 Sraras ate ) Cherniavsky was listened to with rapt attention ; the exquisiitely delicate and sionate tones of the theme being executed with artistic skill . He played several encores . greatest attraction of the evening , however was Maud Ailan and everyone was on , the top - toe of expectation to witness her dancing performances . The stage floor was carpeted there was a background of dark green velvet drapery and the fitful flashing of vari - coloured electric lights flooded the scene , picturing the famous dancer in her glory . Miss Allan's appearance was sudden and dramatic . The soft and velvety music of Peer Gynt's " Morning " breaks upon the ear , and then very silently and stealthily the dancer steps through the green curtains . She starts listening , she hears the music , it calls to her , her bare feet touch the carpet , and she is blown as it were across the stage . Her dainty form flits to and fro with her arms gracefully swaying and her light draperies waving merrily about her . Her movements have the lightness of air , and there is a graçefulness and charm about her motions that one cannot help admiring . She simply interpret's the movements of her feet and body and the swaying of her arms the spirit of the music so skilfully rendered by the Cherniavsky .. All her first selections were from Grieg . " Anitras ' Dance " was wonderfully captivating , the " Death of Aise ' ' was very pathetic , while the''Dance of the Gnomes " brought out the wild , whining intoxication of madness after which she flung herself tempestuously on the ground , breathless and exhausted in perfect agreement with the concluding crashing chord of the music . She proved herself a great artist without doubt and the audience applauded to hte echo . It was however in " The Vision of Salome ' ' , that the great dancer appeared at her best . The music changes to a sensuous theme . In the moonlight stands Salome , the Queen's daughter , radiant with jewels . Her face is sombre , and she yearns for love that is withheld.Her thoughts find expression in the dance . First she sways slowly , then her imagination is fired . She sees herself a queen , clothed in a bejewelled garment , she realises the power of her beaụty and yields to the might of her passion , and so the music nickens her movements follow every fluctuation , and express the whirling and conflicting tions that rage in her heart . So on to the end of her dream , when she falls senseless the floor . It was all very beautifully and dramatically depicted , and the classic dancer rewarded with such a storm of applause that the curtain was raised and she was compelled to bow her acknowledgements no less than three times . The effort was great and she did not respond with another dance as desired . The coloured lights used with such effectiveness in Miss Allans dances were only made possible through Mr L. Prince's electric light , which was made available for the occasion . with as