ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY .

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 270, 12 November 1909, Page 6

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY .

"A IEEDSUJniER iSTGHT'S DKEAIL" In commemoration of ilendelssohn's centenary, the Auckland Orchestral Bocieiv gave in His Majesty's Theatre last night, in conjunction vrith several Weil-known readers and others, a performance of Shakespeare's eharniing •orned^ - , '"A ilidsiuomer Xight's Dreana."

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, the son of a Berlin banker, was born at Hamburg on February 3, 1809, and, unlike almost all other composers, was reared in the lap of luxury. Every advantage which, wealth could procure he enjoyed, with the result that he became highly educated in the other arts, as well as in music. The first of his compositions to attract general notice were the overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the little opera Marriage of Camacho," which were brought out in Berlin in 1527. In 1835 he went to Leipsic as director of the famous Gervandhaus concerts, and two years after he married Cecile Jeanrenaud, the beautiful daughter of a minister of the reformed church in Frankfort. He has left a large and rich collection of musical works, which are favourites the world ever. Mendelssohn was a man. of remarkable .beauty, and his character corresponded to his charm of person. His music is a reflex of his life: grace, elegance, culture, and finish are its ehairaeteristics.

Notwithstanding the difhenlties tJI the undertaking, the performers acquitted themselves very well indeed, and during the evening the large audience in attendance was not slow to show its appreciation of the capable work done by the orchestra, readers, and vocalists. •From first to last it was plainly evident that plenty of hard work bad been done at the rehearsals. The production reflects great credit on the organiser of the scheme, Herr J. Wielaert, the energetic conductor of the Society. A most enjoyable evening was spent by all present in the theatre, and one which they are not likely soon to forget.

The orchestra was in attendance in full strength, and there was a choir of about 70 singers, who were heard to good advantage in the chorus portion.

That musical creation the overture, *wit& its nimble, delicate, and beautiful fairy-like melodies written by Mendelssohn in his eighteenth year, opened the proceedings, and an intelligent and ■highly interesting performance -was obtained of it. A delightful effect was gained hv the wind band in tie sustained opening "chords, -which so beautifully represents moonliarht, while the .busy tripping pan of the first subject depicting the revels of the fairies received a light and airy treatment by the strings. The beantiful second theme was elegantly phrased, while the development was given with vivacious bustle and play, and the pianissimo passage towards the end with, the opening motive of the Thesus music received a delicate and suitable performance. In the playing of the Scherzo some nice shadings were achieved, the instrumentalists also kept admirably together, and the intonation •was to be depended upon. The charming "Intermezzo," with its mocking echoes and impression of breathless anxiety, •was interpreted in excellent style, the violins attacked their intervals decisively, set out their charming phrases pleasingly, and the inner harmonies were clearly shown by the instruments responsible for that portion. That lovely conception, "The Xocturne," was given with tranquillity and in a smooth and flowing style, and the uniquely festive "Wedding March," the mock 'Tuneral March," and the "Dance of Clowns," received admirable interpretations.

Madame Wielaert sang with conspicuous success Cooke's ''Over Hill and Dale." Her florid passages were given with facility and purity of voice, and at the close the singer was heartily lencored. Madame also joined Mass Bessie Dalton in the dnet, "I Know a Bank," which was tastefully delivered, and was heard to advantage in her solo parts with the chorus "You Spotted Snakes" and "Through the House Give Glimmering Light." Miss E. Ring acquitted herself with acceptance in her portion.

In most cases those who had the reading parts were well chosen. Each displayed a thorough grasp of his character, and brought out the beauties the lines to full advantage. It would be an improvement if the ladies spoke a little louder, as they were not always heard at the back of the theatre. Mrs. Frank Turner made a very acceptable Helena, and as Trtania Mrs. Leo Myers TVas most successful. Miss Bertha Jackson impersonated the character of Puck with a ligbtsomeness and freedom that greatly pleased and which admirably brought out the airy, teasing nature of the part. Miss Jessie Reid, as Hippolyta, and ifiss Peaxl Gorrie gave acceptable representations of their characters; and th e Misses Hetty Giles, Doris Hunt, Myrtle Reeve, and Rosa Pacha looked sweet as fairies, and did their scene very nicely. As Theseus Mr. H. J. Mahon read his lines distinctly, the Rev. W. Jellie, 8.A., made a capable AEgeus, Mr. A. Coutts was most successful as Lysander, Mr. E. T. Hart made a splendid Quince, and the character of Bottom found an able exponent in Mr. J. A. Dyson. Professor Maxwell Walker as Oberon delivered his lines with excellent effect, and Messrs. H. Hemus (Flute), W. H. Graham (Snout), G. S. Bullen (Starvelins), J. W. Kealy (Snug), P. N. Harris (Demetrius), nnd McCoy (Philostrate) gave interesting interpretations of their portion. The orchestra was ably led by Miss Edith Whitelaw, and Miss Stevfenson made a capable chief of the second violins. To-night the same work will be repeated.