A lively show of theatre music

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33515, 22 April 1974, Page 12

A lively show of theatre music

A large audience gathered in the Fendalton Community Centre Hall yesterday after--noon for a concert given by the Christchurch Orchestral Society conducted by Thomas Brown and led by Andrew Dale. The programme consisted of music associated with the theatre. I Some commendable advances have been made since the orchestra was last heard, particularly in playing precisely together, keep-' ing balance through grades' of expression, and in rhythmic life. Parts of Verdi’s ‘‘Grand’ (March from Aida” and of |the Ballet Music from Faust -by Gounod were played with I lively vitality, and pleasing ensembles were created. The 'Overture to Thomas’s opera “Raymond” had some doubtful moments as well as ■pleasing ones. A smaller number of playlers, chosen for’ their accu- : racy and good tonal

resources, would have' played better in the accom-i paniments to Dido’s Lament! by Purcell and “O My Beloved Father” by Puccini. The textures were too thick, the balance was questionable, and the textual aberrations were frequent. Miss -Jacinth Hyde sang the arias. The weight of the accompaniments caused her to I force tone on high notes, ■ and some of her vowels I were distorted. ' The robust sections of Edward German’s “Three Dances from Nell Gwyn” ■ came off well, and the whole i work had good rhythmic i coherence.

Two Shakespeare sketches from “The England of Elizabeth” were played adroitly, but needed more tonal refinement. A selection from “Die Fledermaus” was played in lively fashion.

Mr Thomas Brown conducted with expressive imagination, and with helpful direction.

Jacinth Hyde sang three songs from the shows stylishly and pleasantly. She was accompanied sensitively and fluently by Rosemary Stott on a horrible piano.

—C.F.B.