Enthusiastic audience for Civic Orchestra

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32626, 7 June 1971, Page 10

Enthusiastic audience for Civic Orchestra

Conducted by Juan Matteucci with Louis Yffer as leader, the string section of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra opened the orchestra’s 1971 season in the Civic Theatre on Saturday evening. The concert aroused the large audience’s enthusiasm not only because of the high standard reached but also because that standard was attained by Christchurch musicians trained expertly in their own region.

The programme consisted of a Suite: “Ancient Airs and Dances” (Respighi), “The Four Seasons (Autumn)” (Vivaldi), Bach’s “Violin Concerto in A minor” and Bartok’s “Divertimento for Strings.” In the Respighi, the Bach and the Bartok especially, the tonal blend and balance sectionally and throughout the orchestra were very good indeed. With rare exceptions (as occasionally in pizzicato chords), there was close rapport between conductor and players in precise attack, unanimity in nuance and general attention to detail.

The Respighi “Suite” made a most impressive opening item. Mr Matteucci’s tight control and the players’ inmediate response were fine. The comparatively large viola section was heard to particular advantage in the second movement.

Ladislav Jasek was the soloist in the Vivaldi and the Bach Concerto. It was in the latter that the best results were heard. The gay vitality and ever-widening vistas of its allegros found lively expression by soloist and orchestra working together in exemplary collaboration; and the slow movement is one of Bach’s most expressive in this form.

The Vivaldi was less interesting as music and—as to the orchestra’s part—not so well performed. Susan Glasgow played the harpsichord with well-balanced tone of pleasing quality; but the instrument was not well placed for securing of unanimity with soloist and orchestra. The value of Professor

Ritchie’s initiative in giving the city a professional string orchestra was shown with special force in the playing of Bartok’s “Divertimento”—a truly great work calling for mature standards not only in the mechanics of technique but in depth of musical 'understanding. The "Adagio” especially was given a gripping performance; and the festive, dancing final "Allegro” brought an exciting conclusion to a memorable concert.—V.G.