THE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27148, 18 September 1953, Page 3

THE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Peter Cooper As Solo 1 Pianist We in Christchurch have had many enjoyable concerts from the National Orchestra, but Mr Warwick Braithwaite and all the players deserve the thanks of the audience for last evening’s performance, which might well be considered the best to date. The Schubert Symphony No. 9 in C major brought forth a furore of applause such as is seldom heard; and . it was well earned. Frequently, in listening to a good orchestra playing a major work, a listener is carried far up the heights. Mr Braithwaite took us right to the pinnacle this time, and the view from it was very good. The performance was a tour de force. The symphony imposes physical stress on both conductor and players because of its great technical difficulties. These were overcome without that stress being apparent in the playing. Balance sets .many a proplem, especially in the first and last movements. These were successfully surmounted, except for the odd moment, here ana there, when the brass was too heavy for the Civic Theatre. This is quite frequently the case in concerts by the National Orchestra, and a closer study of the acoustic qualities of the hall can be recommended. The effect on the stage is not the same as in the auditorium. The introduction to the symphony unfolded gracefully, and the main subject matter came with appropriate rhythmical bite. Tonally, the strings and wood-wind were in excellent form. The movement surged along with mounting climaxes, wave breaking upon wave, and with periods of expressive tranquillity. The final climax was terrific, and, although applause between movements is not the thing (there was none), a few hearty cheers could have been forgiven on this occasion. There was a mood of sunny happiness in the second movement, and plenty of skilfully-controlled grading of expression. This was also apparent in the scherzo, and showed that there had been ample preparation of detail, as well as preparation for the massive effects. The finale erupted like a volcano, and rocketed in electrifying fashion. The building up of the movement was on the grand scale, and in addition to the general excitement in the activity of the music, special mention must be made of the splendid control shown in one very long diminuendo. All concerned can well be proud of an excellent and thrilling performance. Mr Peter Cooper played Beethoven’s Concerto for Pianoforte and Orchestra. No. 3, in C minor. This also was quite outstanding, and created a deep impression on the audience. Every note was clear. Brilliant and sparkling tone abounded; a compellingly rhythmical drive and a secure feeling for form in the playing gave the impression of firmly-tempered strength at all levels of expression. A rippling and lively pianissimo at times was a sheer delight. Right from the start, both soloist and orchestra gave unmistakable promise of a secure and musicianly reading of this lovely work; and so it proved to be.

The programme opened with Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto.” Messrs Aspey, Lawson and Tanner were the solcists, and very .beautifully and stylishly they played. At times it seemed that such a battery of double basses was not needed for this work. A warm tone pervaded the work, and many mellow passages demonstrated the fine •quality of the string section of the orchestra. This exceedingly beautiful work set an excellent atmosphere for a most enjoyable concert. —C.F.B.

Money for Club Rooms.— An extraordinary general meeting of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association last evening authorised the association to raise oy mortgage or otherwise £3OOO for its Woolston suburban committee for the rebuilding and extension of club-rooms and up to £2OOO for the Riccarton-Fendalton sub-committee for the completion of cluo rooms.