ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17613, 16 November 1922, Page 11

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Under the regime of Mr H. G. Glaysher the habite of the members of the Orchestral Society in Attending rehearsals or not are undergoing! a nodical change for the better. So at least is the impression gathered by the man in the btails. In proof it may he stated that it i$ exactly four weeks since the last concert wns given. Although none of the works performed' lust night were new ini the otriot sense of the word,. yet, with the> exception of tho Overture to ' [Martha," which woe included ia the previous programme, all n° doubt required careful revision after a. mord or less lemgthy interval elapsedi since their last production. That the propagation was accomplished in less than a month speaks well for the conductor's zeal and ability, that in turn ia reoognised and responded to by the member*. Mancinelli's "Cleopatnfe" march reließ upon a forceful ensemble that"is easiest supplied -because it may cover a multitude of sins tinder the mantle of ite tone masses. Therefore not much need be Baid i/bout it, exoept that it was oonveyed with spirit and brightness. More specialising was involved in the "Valse Triste" by Sibelius, and the reading of it by the Society was decidedly creditable. But even more satisfying results were attained in taste and details of execution in some of the four numbers from Massenet's "ScSnes Pittoresques," for therein the exquisite orchestration makes a high demand by means of a cleverly designed blending and contrasting of instrumental groups, a favourite device of tho composer being a combination of the 'high wood-wind with the Bonoroua depth of 'cellos and basses reinforced, or a re-casting of oolour eahemes of one kind or another in most ingenious fashion. The icflftmanatoiy character of the "Finlandia" tone poem, also by Sibelius, found a vivid interpretation, sometime®, however, inclining to haste and effecting* the rhythmical current. Rossini's Overture to the "Barber of Soville," ever charming as it is, showed in the first part particularly a pleasing regard for delioacy. Altogether the orohestra, under Mr G-laysher and Mr Sltelion as leader, produced some very good and progreasive work. . , Of the vooalist, Mies Lillian Hanlum, high appreciation waa expressed in a report on her recent appearance, when her lovely voice and her qualifications as a concert singer were fully recognised. At the 'Choral Hall, last night, she was not at her best. She sang with the same ease and confidence, and some of heir inflections were delightful, ©specially in the "Sea Gipsy'' song, 'but the strain upon some extreme high, notes acted disastrously ttpon their pftch. They were isolated instances, to be sura, but they should convey a warning not to be disobeyed. Aa the most finished and flawless number may be quoted 'Teinka'e Song." ; r : As accompanists to the singer Mrs 7.' E. Buseell is entitled to much appreciation. . A very large audience was present, and profuse in acknowledging the merits of the concert. ' .