Independent & Great

Rare among musicians is Pianist Artur Schnabel, the squareheaded little Austrian who refuses to publicize himself and chooses his programs to suit his own taste. To his manager's concern, Schnabel would play only Beethoven at his concerts last year. But when the box-office takings were reckoned he had proved to be an outstanding success of the season.

Beginning another U. S. tour, Schnabel played last week with the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted for the first time by towering Otto Klemperer.* The concerto was Beethoven's Emperor, a performance that Philadelphians will long remember for its masterly blend of power and tenderness. Mozart and Schubert will have a place on Schnabel's recital programs this winter. But for New Yorkers he has another stiff Beethoven test. Next week he will play the Thirty-three Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli. Said he to his manager last week: "You may warn the public, if you like, that they will occupy 53 minutes."

*Conductor Leopold Stokowski left for California last week. After all the fracas with the Orchestra board (TIME, Dec. 24, et ante), he promised to return for three months next season as guest conductor.

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