COMMONWEALTH BAND

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18918, 5 February 1927, Page 16

COMMONWEALTH BAND

THE SECOND CONCERT. Last night, in the Caledonian Hall, +ke Australian Commonwealth Silver Band, which is touring the world to compete in the world's championships, entertained an audience which almost filled the house. It was the band's second concert. Under the conductorship of Mr Albert H. Baile, this unique combination of firstclass bandsmen offered an exceptionally well varied programme, embracing both classical and modern composers. Throughout the evening the npplnusc was frequent and spontaneous. Rich Wagnerian harmonies characterised the "Taunhauscr" selection. Undoubtedly it was the most ambitious number of the «veninj». The deep, sombre chords of the "Pilgrims' Chorus" introduced this classical composition of Wagner. Played with fine effect by the buss section of the band, the various themes in the immortal opera were treated with a finesse and sympathetic interpretative skill that is too seldom heard in Christchurch.

Artistic in its presentation was Mr Alfred Paxton's rendering of the cornet solo, Tosti's "My Dreams." Tho slumberous melody in this, rich and refined in tone, was exquisite. "Because" (D'Hardelot) was tho encore number. Sousa, America's march king,- was responsible for the wonderful composition of the "Stars and Stripes for Played as the opening selection, this grand ensemble work of the famous composer was taken to inspiring climaxes by Mr Baile. It was a popular item. That ho lacked nothing in the art of xylophone playing was proved by Mr Harold Beid when he gave Confrey's "Coaxing the Piano," played with the orthodox pair of hammers. Responding to applause, he delighted with "Aloha, Farewell, Aloha," a Hawniian lullaby played with four hammers simultaneously. No less a favourite was "The Last Rose of Summer." Youth was well catered for with four special request items, "Valencia," "Eo's You're Old Lady," "Maggie," and the entire "Rose Marie" selection. In playing these four items, tho bandsmen swayed that abandon associated with the best of "rag" orchestras. Thoy also sang- the choruses. Another favourite request item was "Nearer My God to Thee," played with full organ effect. The chanting and tho clever imitation of bird whistles heard in Kotelby's descriptive fantasia "In a Monastery Garden" were faithfully interpreted. Other items were a cornet duet "Ida and Dot" (Losey), played by Messrs A. Stcndcr and A. Paxton; a tone poem, "Labour and Love" (Percy E. Fletcher). AT ENGLISH PARK TO-NIGHT. Tho Rand "Daily Mail," reporting upon tho Australian Band's performance in Burgers Park, Pretoria, South Africa, records the following amusing incident: — When the Australian Commonwealth Band gave its final performance, all " world, its wife, and its children flocked to hear it play. Unfortunately, insufficient seating accommodation had been provided, but, not to be outdone, the world, its wife, and its children lowered themselves with a sigh of contentment upon the soft green grass near the bandstand. . The tail end of the sigh of relief, however, melted into a wail of despair when it was made painfully evident that the soft green grass was the abode of countless ants. Whereupon the world, its wife, and its children rose with alacrity, and thereafter took but little interest # m the final performance of the Australian Commonwealth Band. Fortunately for those who will attend English Park tonight there are no ants, and neither is there a shortage of good seats. Intending patrons are reminded that they can reserve their seats at the Bristol before twelve o'clock to-day.