AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 150, 30 June 1897, Page 2

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

THIRD ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

The Auckland Choral Society gave their third orchestral concorb of the presenb season ab tbe Choral Hall last night, and, judging from the frequency of the applause, the large audience seem to have thoroughly enjoyed the programme, which contained a far greater proportion of popular numbers than usual. The first pieco was Beethoven's magnificent overbore to "Fidelio." This was rendered in excellent style, tho unison passage wibh which ib commences being attacked and played with procißion. The numerous short phrases for horns and wood wind all came in in their right places, and the telling notes of the bassoon were particularly welcome. The obher overture was Kelar Bela's " Comique," which is very different in style to Beethoven's serious work, though a decidedly effec tive pieco of music all the Bame. It is light and spirited, with a very bright melody for the firsb violins, and some telling passages for the baas trombone. The orchestra played ib with greats epirib, and at its conclusion were applauded. Lumbyo's " Traumbilder Phantasie" was a beautiful number, softly scored, the strings being muted throughoub. A very pleating feabure in ib iB a long flute solo which shows off the lower octave of the instrument. Towards the end can be heard a slow German waltz, in which the clarinets have a good deal to do, the tirßb taking the melody, and ib concludes with a lively march. An excellent rendering was given of the " Valso Lante " and '"Pizzicati" from tho ballot "Sylvia" by Delibes, bhe music being played with the great delicacy it requires. Tho telling melody for flute and clarinet playing two octaves apart came out well, and the audience appreciated the " Pizzacati " and the great efficiency of bhe orchestra so much bhab they insisted upon hearing it again. The last orchestral number was Spindler's " Husarenritt," which i* a brieht number, and wa6 rendered with all due smartness and precision. Miss Mabel Tilly, who is evidently suffering from a bad cold, sang an "Aye Maria" adapfeod from the Intermezzo to Mascagni's "Cavelleria Kusticana." Making due allowance for 6ome unavoidable hoarseness, she did ample justice to this popular, melodious piece, and was recalled. The accompaniment) was arranged for piano, organ, violin and'cello, and was effectively rendered. Her eecond song was Barnard's " Bid Love Awake," which seemed to be less trying to her voice, for she Bang it artistically, withoub undue effort, and at Jibs conclusion was warmly applauded. In ibis she was accompanied by Mr S. Jackson, who played an effective clarionette obligato wibh greab taste, the pure tono of his instrument and the voice sounding well together. Mr G. M. Reid contributed Sullivan's "A Sailor's Grave," which ho rendered with great feeling and expreeaioD, though ho, too, seems to be suffering from the prevailing epidemic, and some hoarseness was the result. The accompaniment to this song was very ably scored for the orchestra by Mr S. Jackson, who is evidently well acquainted with tho resources of the instruments. It contains particularly telling passages for bhe wood wind, and tho oboe has some pleasing melodies. Unfortunately ib suffered in the performance from a tendency on the part of the orchestra to play too loud, which was probably owing to insufficient rehearsing. Mr Reid was in much better voice in his Becond number, Balfe's popular " Good Night, Beloved." This he rendered magnificently, splendidly accompanied by the orchestra, which never overpowered the voice, and paid every attention to light and shade. Needless to say Mr Reid was warmly applauded, and an inevitable | encore was the result. The orchestra throughout the concerb acquibbed itself well, keeping carefully in time, aud displaying great promptness of attack. Herr Schmitt conducted with his customary skill, f..d Dr. Cox led, besides contributing as a solo Bach's celebrated air on the G. string, which M. Musin has made so familar to Auckland audionces. It was rendered artistically and applauded. The accompaniment was arranged for strings on this occasion instead ot being played on the piano, as is usual.