COMMONWEALTH BAND

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18919, 7 February 1927, Page 2

COMMONWEALTH BAND

THE THIRD CONCERT. If enthusiasm is any criterion, the Australian Commonwealth Silver Band (which is touring the world to compete in the world's championships) was in every sense-, a-much warmer favourite with the music lovers and general public of Christchurch on Saturday night than it was on the two previous nights. The couple of thousand people who paid to hear the band at English Park signified something more than ordinary goodwill. Always the music, which Mr Albert H. Bailo, the renowned musical director, drew from his admirably drilled and stylishly uniformed men, had a lilt and a rhythm that was captivating. Surrounded by arc Hght3 in front of tho main stand, tho band enraptured tho uudience with music Which possessed a greater charm in tho open air than it would have held in a hall. Unconfincd, the sounds had space in which to blend into, a perfect whole. Tho tune was mellow—there wero no plastered walls to echo harshly. Impressive Rossini harmonies, rich and sombre, characterised the immortal overture "William Tell," tho scene of which is laid, in Switzerland-in tho thirteenth century. Undoubtedly, it is ono of tho most popular operatic overtures. In four distinct parts: "Dawn," "Storm," "rastoralc," and '| Finale" { —it aptly represents tho martial spirit of the times, the strugglo for freedom, tho triumph of right over wrong, and it gives adequate expression to the unconquerable lovo for liberty that makes man prefer death to slavery. The conductor worked tho final movement to a particularly stirring climax. Rimmer's descriptive sketch, "A Day With the Huntsmen," played with a rollicking swing, proved highly popular. Opening with "The Huntsman's Call," this unique combination of musicians allowed one to follow the hunt through a pastoral scene, past ringing church bells and a rustic dance, till the honnds scented rcynard, when, with the cry, "Hark, Forward Tantiby," the hunt commenced. The whose fantasia was beautifully interpreted. Liko the "Merry Widow," Lccoq's selection, "Madame Angot," is delightfully light. It was played as the' final number with an airiness that made it doubly refreshing. Brilliantly played were the two selections. "Spohr" (Weber) and "La Reno do Saba" (Gounod). The inspired music of tho composers was given a warmth and expression that brought added pleasure to the car. Tho audienco was lavish with genuine applause. • Again Mr Harold Rcid merited unstinted praiso for his clever work at the xylophone, which ho can play with four hammers simultaneously ns easily as ho can with the orthodox pair." Tho piquant and catchy tune of "Kitten on the Keys" (Thomas) was sharply contrasted with tho slumberous melody of Iris encoro number, "Aloha Oe," a fascinating Hawaiian lullaby. Arditi's impassioned cornet solo, "II Bacio," faithfully rendered by Mr Alfred Paxton,' was a decidedly popular item. No less a favourito was the ensemble march, "Twentieth Century," by Ord Hume. SUNDAY CONCERTS. The band pave its final" concert last night at English Park before a very large audience' Yesterday afternoon a concert was given by tho band at the Garden?, when a collection was taken no in aid of the Bandsmen's Memorial Fund.