Large Audience Enjoys National Orchestra

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28699, 24 September 1958, Page 7

Large Audience Enjoys National Orchestra

A very large audience heard a most enjoyable concert given by the National Orchestra in the Civic Theatre last evening. Mr John Hopkins conducted, and the members of the orchestra responded fully to his inspiring leadership. Balance, phrasing,control of expression, precision, beautiful tone, and unity of purpose at all times showed both careful preparation and close awareness in performance. As the parts of the “Prince Igor” Overture had not arrived in time other recalcitrant but less sinister royalties were serenaded in the Overture to the “Merry Wives of Windsor.” It began in broad and sonorous style with strong building up of tone. Pleasant and neatly-tossed back-chat was heard between the strings and wood-wind. Exhilarating and lively little passages alternated with suave melodies, and there was fiery snap in the ending. , , , Liadov’s “Enchanted Lake gave excellent contrast. This was very skilfully performed, with careful control of tonal shading and deft phrasing. It is by no means an easy work, and a most telling atmosphere was created and sustained.

Pouenc’s ‘Sinfonietta” was heard for the first time in New Zealand. It is a straightforward little work, somewhat lacking the insousiance of some of his earlier works' but having ‘•'cheerful orchestration. The first movement was founded on a rippling little theme, contrasted with one that moved in broad and flowing style. It was a happy movement, and so was the second, which was in the form of a jolly dance. The third movement had a warm and romantic flow, and the last was strong and vigorous with many gay quirks. The important work of the evening was Schubert’s great Symphony in C major. It is a real marathon to perform and was done excellently. It is noble music—confident in character and based on. firm foundations. It begins with a movement which has many shaftings. Mr Hopkins gave an interpretation which balanced one against the others in a poised symmetry, and bathed the whole movement in sunlight. The second movement was most skilfully interpreted. Its various sections unfolded their scenes of beauty—appreciated by a spirit free from all tension—and the whole thing was given a care-fully-balanced unity. The bell

effect of the horn against soft playing by the strings was very delightfully «played. There was nobility throughout the reading of this movement. The third movement had a buoyant gaiety. Its opening suggested an athlete flexing his muscles, and they were soon required to be in good fettle. Although free rein was given in realising the exuberance of the music, there was always a feeling of strength in reserve. The last movement seemed to synthesise all that had gone before. In spite of its difficulties, the texture was kept splendidly clear. Mr Hopkins built the work up to flashing climaxes which came with thrilling effect. It was all most expressive, and there was not a dull moment in the whole course of this long symphony.

The National Orchestra will be heard again next Tuesday evening. At this concert the Harmonic Society will sing a new work by Gordon Jacob. —C.F.B.