BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 178, 29 July 1932, Page 3

BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA.

SECOND CONCERT. BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE. The numerous musical enthusiasts who braved the chilly discomforts of the Town Hall last night were well rewarded by hearing the Bohemian Orchestra present one of the best performances it has given for eome time past. The opening number was, appropriately, the famous prologue from "Pagliiacci," sung by Mr. L. C. Barnes, with orchestral accompaniment. Mr. Barnes was in fine voice and depicted the varying moods of this descriptive work with much artistic expression, the orchestra giving him a well-balanced support. In response to an insistent recall Mr. Barnes sang "The Sea Hath its Pearls." Then followed the attractive suite, "La Boutique. Fantasque" (Rossini-Respighi), presenting great contrasts in rhythm and some very effective orchestration. One of the finest works of the evening was the "Haffner" Symphony of Mozart, which was played with great expression. An interesting feature of this performance was the playing of the Minuetto in two contrasting tempos, one slow, according to the interpretation of Toscanini, and the repeat, at about double the speed, as taken by Sir Henry Wood, this latter tempo hardly being suitable to a "slow graceful dance." All sections of the orchestra showed to great advantage in Sullivan's overture, "Di Ballo." . This pleasing work met with the appreciation of the audience, the orchestra having to bow its acknowledgments. One of the most popular performances of the evening was Liszt's striking "Hungarian Fantasia," in which both the solo pianist, Mr. Eric Waters, and the orchestra, played brilliantly. This was received with well-merited applause and Mr. Waters was recalled. Haydn's noble "Hymn to the Emperor," played by the strings only, was one of the most delightful items of the evening. This was given with great taste and nice tone. The concluding number was Friedmann's stirring "Slavonic Rhapsody." The orchestral work throughout the evening was exceptionally good and Mr. Colin Muston, the conductor, is to be complimented upon the high standard of performance maintained throughout.

Miss Edith Whitelaw, as usual, was an efficient leader, and Mr. Harry Woolley was the accompanist. Except for the opening number of the programme, the vocal side of the concert was supplied by Mies Alys Moncur, a mezzo-contralto with a voice of rich quality and excellent timbre. Miss Moncur gave an expressive rendition of Saint Saene , "O Love From Thy Power," and also sang Mrs. Kennedy Fraser's "An Eriskay Love Lilt" with nice feeling. Her recall numbers "were "Danny Boy," and Martin Shaw's rollicking "Cargoes," a song more suited to a man's voice. This young einger has, in addition to a good -voice, temperament and a pleasing platform appearance. Her words, however, are rather difficult to follow.