PLEASANT FARE IN CONCERT

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 18

PLEASANT FARE IN CONCERT

The Christchurch Civic Orchestra, conducted by Juan Matteucci, and led by Louis Yffer, gave its fifth subscription concert of the season in the Town Hall on Saturday evening to a large audience. It was a pleasant concert, not perhaps offering the thrills of the previous one, but giving competent playing and creating a satisfying atmosphere.

The programme began with Glinka’s charming little overture to “Russian and Ludmilla” which began in bright and breezy fashion with precise and well-defined chords from the brass. Dia-

logue between various sections of the orchestra was carried on in merry vein, interspersed with bright and challenging tutti passages. This gave the concert a good start.

Ladislav Jasek, a soloist, then played Max Bruch’s ever-popular violin concerto. Had the excellent programme notes been able to be read as the concerto was played, the work might have been more readily apprehended by those not familiar with it. But the light were put out, to no good purpose. Mr Jasek played beautifully. His tonal quality was such that he was heard with soloist’s authority even in the many very soft entries. The first movement, meditative in character, was played with mellow quality delightful to hear. The last movement had immediate appeal and was played with rich timbres and flashing zest. This concert was generously sponsored by the New World Supermarkets and it was, therefore, fitting that Dvorak’s “New World" Symphony should be played. The swiftly changing tonal colours at the beginning were brought off with excellent care for balance and blend. The cor anglais melody in the second movement was played with well-rounded and appealing effect. The entry of the strings playing the melody was delicately wrought and the whole movement was played with close and artistic attention to expressive detail. The third movement is usually not as appealing as the others but it was played with good and clear texture, and, the last movement shot away with little cascades flashing with imaginative use of expression. Throughout the work there were most interesting contrasts in tonal colourings. As this was the last concert which Mr Matteucci will conduct under his present arrangement as guest conductor, the audience gave him a resounding and prolonged ovation. This he has earned, for, over the years, he has served New Zealand very well, first as conductor of the N.Z.B.C. orchestra and latterly directing both the Auckland Symphonia and the Christchurch Civic Orchestras.

He brought to interpretations here a Latin warmth and romanticism. He taught his orchestras well, inspiring each player to contribute fully to well-defined ensembles, and kept the welfare of every individual as much to the fore as he did that of his orchestras. His advice has always been helpful and his readiness to co-operate has been much appreciated by his colleagues. Fortunately, we are not losing him and shall look forward to welcoming him back again to our podium. —C.F.B.

Linwood High School Dux. —Two puplis, Graham Thompson and Murray McMillan, have been named as equal dux of Linwood High School this year.