ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18073, 15 May 1924, Page 14

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

That the prophecy ventured upon In the report on the first concert of the Orchestral Society, ' under the' new' regime, foreshadowing a bright" era of musical accomplishment with Mr Angus Gunter's inspiriting conductorship, -ia in a fair way of fulfilment, was amply proved by the result of last night's i concert. No doubt, previous conductors have been painstaking in' their way, but since Mr Thorley's departure none have exercised the same influence ot brought the same knowledge to bear upon the working up: of their band and extending to the smallest detail. Mr Gunter exacts not merely accuracy,, but understanding on the part of his players.. He knows how to illustrate" the character and convev the atmosphere of his music Tho ehaotic blaring tone-.ripts . of former days exist no longer. It. is easy to follow the intricacies of the works performed, even in the heaviest -/■ instrumental combination. The light parts, the little interposed soli are all lucidly brought to hearing. As someone has tersely observed, "he has pulled them up." And his comprehension ~_and ,taste are beyond question. . There are. limitations: the' members do not pro-. | fess, with few exceptions, to be more than amateurs. But with the-.talent available, Mr Gunter 'makes 'an' ex : tremely good demonstration of efficiency and musicianship'. It may be as--suined when the musical public recog-. nises the good work of the Society, that increasing support also will be forthcoming, for the double purpose of increasing the membership and encouraging the players. But may it' be suggested that something better than the bald programmes at present issued, should be substituted! The public must be" made specifically interested, in .the music, and its composers, names ajone mean nothing to them. How many know even the name of Cherubini; why is Haydn's G Major Symphony called "the Ox ford"? It might even be let out-that Haydn was married to a rare shrew, and some might be induced to come! from curiosity •to learn how ..a J sadly i hen-pecked man writes music. And when 'they hear it won't they be amazed how lighthearted and merry he was? These little historical or personal facts appeal very strongly to amateurs and'help them to | digest the music. In -other words, some expert; ■ annotations are highly de- j sirable, especially in a programme to be paid for. I Cherubini's finely .dramatic overture | to the "Water Carrier," a favourite opera some 70, years, ago, was yer.y,impressively introduced, .as the 'opening number, and was warmly applauded. Then followed an excellent reading of so-called Oxford' Symphony, upon Which the degree of Doctor of Music was conferred by the" University; a very elaborate and charming work it | is,-and grateful through, all its length. Particularly good was the "Presto" "with its vivacious tempo well sustained and its 1 delicate handling. • A very attractive selection from- Puccini's "La Boheme" was made conspicuous by tne' rich. Jiorie-prodtietion, in; its' passionate; movements, the instruments blending inl splendid "harmony and balance. v Buhtn-. Btein's fanciful' ''Feramors'' I 'Suite is more distinguished f or.' quaint ness than for real beauty, the four numbers ■ including the "dances of the Bayaderes," the "to'rch dancej" and the "Bridal Prpcession,": found very good characteristic interpretation and cleyer rhythmical treatment bearing all the 1 previous ■fa>vourable;ieommen,ta> .ii T': What lias already! beeh" accomplished amounts, in plain language, to the resurrection .of a society almost doomed, before Mr Gunter's. advent. It is only the beginning of a fruitful activity.,.. '.,'.■'.'■. '**■ i ..:'.".- ''..;■.';:"':- ••-"'•:?■' Mr Leslie'Flemingliwpll supported #s., the'- piano'by'Mr-L. liewin, -sang-the: "Song i»f the men,'/ yrhieti really, re quires a*big, rolling voice. ' Mr Fleming/, is; jvelj' known as a very good dinger of taste; and particularly good in.the lyric style/ excelling/ last night in Tully's "Bois Epalß" and in Bongs by D'Hartelot ,and Oadman,'while Arendale's "Old Joby Jug" nerved aß| an acceptable,encore in striking contrast. ,- ; ~ The largo audience present at the Choral Hall might have been more demonstrative in acknowledging the meritorious performances ..of. the" orchestra, of;.yfhien Mr J. B. ;; Eibrdan v was ~, rftxe-t leader. It is just'iheir .way, in, our. society concerts I ' •■•■-.•.. - '