Fine Subscription Concert

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32349, 15 July 1970, Page 18

Fine Subscription Concert

Alfred Wallenstein conducted the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra, led by Alex Lindsay, in a subscription concert last evening in the Civic Theatre. The programme began with Mendelssohn’s overture: “Fair Melusina” which told its romantic, if somewhat fishy, tale with charm and polished craftsmanship. Most of the orchestra was out in front of the proscenium arch, for the harmonic society was at the back of the stage. This made the orchestral sound have more unity and balance for we got rid of the “tworooms” effect usually heard. The balance in this delightful work, and in Harty’s arrangement of Handel’s “Water Music” Suite which followed, was splendid and there was 1 a transparent quality in the texture. * Mr Wallenstein is a sensi-i tive interpreter who never misses the lightest shading of nuance nor any subtlety of rhythm in his search for the : heart of the music. The or-1

chestra responded fully to: his persuasive and smooth ’ conducting. The great work of the even-: ing was Beethoven’s Ninth I Symphony, with the Christ-[ church Harmonic Society as; • the choir in the last movement and Emily Mair. Anthea iMoller, George Metcalfe and ‘Grant Dickson forming the t quartet. [ Mr Wallenstein gave us a i spacious and nobly conceived [ rendering of it He seems in ihis conducting to produce his [phrasing from a bow or from' [a singer's sensitive use of! ■breath control. Splendid con-, itrol of beautifully-wrought j [phrasing coming in generous, 1 warm, and ennobling sweeps; [of sound, made the first move- [ ment have a grandly stirring 'effect The scherzo began with a I elfin piquancy which gave way [ Ito exuberant vigour and crisp! [and joyful sounds, and the [ adagio was taken at a tempo! which ensured that it could not have its emotional edge (dimmed. j

>: The last movement was a 1 i 1 shining triumph. The announcement of its main ( [theme by the cellos and 'double basses had crisp pro[mise of high adventure, and; ; [ all that grew from it was [ ■ excitingly uplifting. The; i choir was in its customary I magnificient form, giving : forth white-hot and brilliant , sounds thoroughly in keeping with an “Ode to Joy.” The I women gave out superb top to i the chorus and the men's tone > came as great blows of a i [giant hammer when the music ' called for it. [ The quartet also sang with [agile skill, accuracy, and , grand tone. Their voices cut ( through and demanded atten- ; [tion and there was nothing i : | missing from their dramatic i [purpose. ( [ The whole of the perform- ■ ance had an electrifying effect < [on the audience, who res- 1 [ponded with ringing fervour. J ! Mr Wallenstein will con- ! duct another concert this i [evening.— C.F.B. i