BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 63, 14 March 1919, Page 3

BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA.

j The Bohemian Orchestra's postponed conort from Novembe** last, cancelled owing to the epidemic, was given in the Town Hall last night, and was largely patronised. A diversified programme of twelve items was submitted, and most of the numbers received praiseworthy renderings- Owing to tbe soloists taking each, manifestation of appreciation by those in front as a sign to repeat the item, the concert was unduly prolonged, and somewhat dragged, detracting from what would otherwise have been an enjoyable evening. Some admirable work was done by the orchestra: the members attended in force, gave fine climaxes, attacked and released .he degrees with decision, phrased witli distinction, and produced a satisfying tone. Mr Colin Muston conducted, and obtained all there was'to be achieved from his executants. A sparkJing and vigorous performance w__ secured of Ambroise Thomas' popular overturn to "Raymond." Decision and clearness marked the reading of the allegro, whilst the strings executed with lightning like facility the ascending and descending scale passages. The winds and stiings produced a nice tone timbre, in the Andantino, and noticed carefully the legato and staccato phrases. A nice pianissimo was made in the opening measures of the "Allegro Con. Moto," whilst the rhythm and movement were admin, -ly sustained. Decisively executed ere the marcat. quavers and semiquavers, and elegantly rendered was the theme leading into the Piu Mosso, The latter section received a brilliant delivery, specially noticeable being the attention paid to disturbed accent and contrast of legato and staccato.

Herold's overture to "Zampa," or "The Marble Bride," was played with freedom and brilliancy, admirably displaying the charm of this attractive number from the lighter French operaitic school. Schubert's unfinished symphony, which is beautiful in ideas and perfect in form, and a favourite number on the concert stage, received an intelligent renderingThe 'cellos and basses introduced the impressive subject of the Allegro in delicate tones, and the subsequent melodious itheme was delicately rendered by tho wood-winds, the first and second violins playing pianissimo their .measures of semiquavers, and the violas, 'cellos and contra-basses supplied the rhythm of crochets and eighths distinctly. The beautiful 'cello melody, after the development, was tenderly executed, and the violins in octaves responded admirably. The original subject varied for the basses in the second part received full attention, and its working out was grandly displayed amidst full orchestral outbursts leading to a powerful climax. The andante, with its stately harmony and exquisite themes, enabled the strings, horns, and winds to show their ability in delicate solo work, of which every advantage was taken. The coda, which is full of melodious beauty, was specially attractively rendered. At its conclusion the executants were deservedly applauded. Sibelius' "Valse Triste," Grainger's "County Deny," and Beethoven's "Minuet" received admirable deliveries.

The instrumental trios of 25 by Reissiger, and "La Belle Rosamunde," by Kreisler, found sympathetic players in Mr and Mrs W. R- Fox and Miss G. Ray Fox, piano, 'cello, and violin per.ortaers respectively. The trio keep nicely together, secure a good tone, and phrase with clearness, and play their pieces from memory. At the conclusion they were warmly recalled. Sarasate's, "Zigeunerweisen" found Miss G. Ray Fox able to meet all its demands. She is a violinist possessing good technique, a free command of the bow, and musical sensibilities. In the vigorous parts the violinist secures a large tone, and the delicate passages display a nice cantabile. Schubert's "Aye Maria" was impressively rendered, of special merit being the clearness and good intonation of the double stopping. Miss Fox was warmly recalled after her solos.

Miss Laura Stone distinguished herself in her singing of Barratt's "My Ships," and gave with marked success Alfred Hill's "Waiata Maori." She revealed a rich quality of voice and good descriptive work in the opening verse, gave with expression "Hokihoki tonu," and threw dramatic intensity into "With. Flashing Eye," sang with power 1 and decision "Kamate Kaora," and gave the alluring music of Xi te Auhi Reinga" with haunting sweetness. The solo was accompanied delightfully by the orchestra. Miss Stone was deservedly applauded at its termination. The NewZealand Quartet sang pleasingly Herbert's "Red Rose," and gave expressively Parker's "Crossing the Bar." Mr T. Read led the band, Mr Harold Baxter acted as principal of .the seonnds, and the pianoforte accompaniments were sympathe- ] tically rendered by Mr G. H. Woolley.