MUSICAL.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8934, 26 October 1894, Page 5

MUSICAL.

THE MUSICAL UNION COSGERT.

All trae lovers of music xmxat feel that they owe a debt of gratitude to the Musical Union for the great treat afforded to them last night at tfut Opera House, on the occasiou of the fourth concert given by the organisation. The programme was one which marks an era in the history of mueio here for one or two reasons. Firstly it was the occasion of the debut of one of the most promising young vocalists we have had in Christchureu, Mies Lilian Smith; and secondly, it introduced to us two compositions of more than ordinary excellence and beauty. These were Mendelssohn's "Scotob Symphony" and Co wen's "Language of Flowers. ,r As these latter formed, aa it were, the main features of the evening, one may be pardoned for once for breaking the rule of courtesy and referring to their performance before speaking of Miss Smith. The Symphony, ie may be noted, waa very creditably played throughout by the orchestra. There, was displayed a grasp of the meaning of the compose? and an intelligent interpretation of the wonderful melody-picture which the genius of Mendelssohn has pro* duced. It is true that there were here and there indecisions and failures to bring out to she full the graudeur of the work, bub as a whole Mr Wallace is to be congratulated, as well as those under his baton, for the manner in which it waa played. The composition itself is varying in. its chords. The movements differ from each other io expression, though all are thoroughly- la harmony with the general idea. The andante is suggestive of the wild and lonely beauty of the mountains and glens of the Highlands which inspired the composition. It comprises massive melody, interspersed with auggeatioQS of the distant skirl of the bagpipes, and here and there the blast of a solitary horn, reviving memories of "William Tell." To these succeed the rush of contending hosts, vividly recalling that wonderful description of the fight of the elans by Sir Walter Scott) in "The Fair Maid of Perth." The orchestra interpreted these varying pioturea with considerable and commendable fidelity. The beautiful .scherzo, with its dainty melodies, was giveu with much spirit. On this more perhaps than any part of the work, the composer has lavished the power of his genius, and the result is most exciting and enjoyable. The piano effects were very delicately given, and as a whole this movement was played in a manner deserving, very great praise. In the third movement it ia noticeable that the natural and distinctive character of the music, which is so maiked in the preoeding movements, changes, And i the broad, majestic style of melody assoi oiated with the name of Mendelssohn comes [ out. This movement was finely played, the brass being particularly good. The sparkling final movement, with ita suggestive waltz time, wasalso well taken. Thaorchestra was well balanced, and evidently mosb thoroughly on its mettle, and although, owing to the difficulty and peculiar charaoter of the composition, more rehearaal would perhaps have resulted in even a better rendition, the manner in which the'sym« phony was played refleots credit on all concerned.

The dainty beauty of " The Language of Flowers" formed a complete foil to the majesty and grandeur of the Symphony. All the four movements were charmingly played, espeoially "Daisy" and "Yellow Jasmine. /The flutes and wood generally ia tho first number deserve praise, and indeed throughout the orchestra fully entered into and brought oaf; in strong relief the grace and elegance whioh mark this really beautiful suite. The other orohestral items, " Egmont," "La Colombo," and Sohubert'a «• Bullet »ir " were all well given. Mis* .Lilian Smith, who made hel first appearance at. the Musical Union concerts, is a great acquisition to our soloists. She has a very fine sympathetic mezzo-soprano voice of considerable range and quality, and is certainly the most .promising of our young singers heard here. Her first solo, "Dove Bono," was not bo well suited as one could have wished to die* play the full range of her voice, inasmuch as it only brought out the middle and uppei register, which are clear and sweet. Ihe aria Was sung with much care and success, and received, as in deserved, enthusiastic recognition at the hands of the audience. Iα response to an encore Miss Smith gave Barnby's " Sweet and Low," which supplied the want just noted in connection with the first . solo by allowing, the full round tones of the lower register to be heard. In the second part Mine Smith . sang Blumenthftl'a "The Children's Kingdom ,7 excellently. As has been said, Mies Smith possesses what will ultimately become » really grand voice, but study and perseverance will have to be used before the ultimate goal of full success is attained. Rev. A. Mitchell was heard to advantage io Faure's song, " Les Kaoaeux," and also in "TheSteersman."' Mr Mitohell'e voice is sympathetic, and he sings with much artistfa ■kill, bo that it is always a pleasure, ac on this occasion, to listen to his vocalisation. Mr H. H. Loughnan played the 'oello obbligato to the first solo very appreciably. Mr Wallace conducted and Miss Packer led, Mr A, J. Mercon playing too piano accompaniments for the solos. It ia to be hoped that we shall be enabled to hear both the " Scotch Symphony " and "The Language of Flowers' , again at no distant) date.