MUSICAL.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10095, 22 July 1898, Page 6

MUSICAL.

SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL* MUSICIANS. * All true lovers of really good music are indebted to the Society of Professional Musicians for a great treat in the programme submitted by them at their first annual concert given last night in the Choral Hall. If one could find a fault it would be that the framers of the programme erred somewhat in tbe direction of giving the audience rather too much. The opening item on the programme was Mendelssohn's concert overture and scherzo from the music to "A Midsummer Night's Dream," crisply and moat effectively interpreted by the orchestra of the Musical Union under Mr Wallace. The beautiful melody of the overture and the brilliant moods which the composer has introduced into the scherzo v. ere sriven excellently, the orchestra being well balanced. Mr March was far better suited in the two songs chosen by him on this than on the occasion of the Musical Union concert. His first one, a charming ballad "Margaret" by Allitsen, was very nicely sung indeed, the quiet legato style suiting Mr March's voice admirably. His second number, " Still aa the Night," waa also well sung. Miss Esther Atkinson, whom one is glad once more to welcome to the concert platform, gave a brilliant and moat artistio interpretation of Chopin's Scherzo mC minor. Her playing was foil of life and force, whilst exhibiting wonderful command of the keyboard and facility of execution. In Bi*ab_n|s waltzes for piano and voices, which were given by several ladies and gentlemen wider Mr Wells, the voices did not blend well, except in No. 3 and No. 5, which went oapitally. Rheinberger_> quartette for piano, violin, viola and cello, by Miss Jennie West, Mr F. M. Wallace, Mies Packer and Mr H. H. Loughnan, which concluded the first part, was a great treat. All tbe movements were given with a precision and finish which fully deserved the enthusiastic applause with which the number was greeted. All the movements went well, but one cannot help awarding a special meed of praise to the charming adagio, which was roost admirably played, and the brilliant finale allegro, the 'cello passages in whioh were well played. The second part opened with Core_li*s "La Folia," variations for violin and orchestra. Mr Wallace has been heard here on many occasions, but never to suoh advantage as in this difficult and most exacting number. It was brilliantly played by the soloist, and admirably supported by the orchestra, under the baton of Mr Loughnan. Mrs Revell, whose cultured voice is heard all too seldom at our concerts, sang most charmingly Schubert's "My Sweet Repose" and Mendelssohn's "Spring Song," and had to bow her acknowledgements of the plaudits of the audience. Miss Rachel Ross and Mr Lund were heard to great advantage in the variations for two pianos, on a theme by Beethoven. All the difficult and intricate variations which Sain t-Saens has given on the theme were most artistically and brilliantly played. Mr March sang " Over the Desert" with a good deal of spirit, and the orchestra played •** Liebeslieder, Part n.," well. Throughout, as has been said, the concert was a very excellent one, and it is satisfactory to be able to record that the attendance was good. Miss Rachel Ross and Mr Lund played the accompaniments, and did so excellently. The stage, it may be noted, was very prettOy decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the names of the various composers, together with the insignia of the Society, were displayed. The thanks of all present are due to the energetic honorary secretary, for the provision made by him for overcoming the numerous draughts which exist in the Choral Hall, and also for rigidly enforcing that most salutary rule of keeping the doors dosed during the performance ofeach number, an example which, it is to be hoped, will be followed by all other concert givers.