Orchestral concert

Press, 9 May 1983, Page 8

Orchestral concert

The Christchurch Orchestral Society, first subscription concert, conducted by John Emeleus at the Burwood Community School Hall, Saturday, May 7. Reviewed by John Farnsworth.

Undoubtedly the most appealing quality which the Christchurch Orchestral Society brought to this concert was a sense of enthusiasm for the works it presented. This was reflected both in the amiable introductions of the conductor, John Emeleus, and in the choice of programme. It ranged from short pieces by Berlioz, Prokofiev, Vaughan Williams, and Debussy to a full symphony by Schubert. The “Hungarian March” by Berlioz was typical, and signalled a bright, energetic opening, with a predominance of trumpets . and

drums that fittingly evoked the character of a village band. •

It was followed by Prokofiev’s brief three part “Suite for Strings,” in which the orchestra best captured the brooding quality of the slow second movement. Elsewhere, however, there were problems of intonation, particularly among the strings. These increased as the interval approached, and might have been avoided by allowing the orchestra to retune between items.

Vaughan Williams’s well known “Fantasia on Greensleeves” was the besthandled piece in the first half, aided by the contribution of the guest harpist, Barbara Hassall. There was good balance and phrasing, particularly in the pizzicato sections, and the players mastered the low singing

quality, which is essential for the piece’s success. On the other hand, the orchestra sounded distinctly uncomfortable in Debussy’s “Petite Suite.” It has a broad and complex wash of tone colour, and requires a delicacy of approach which the orchestra was rarely able to provide. The second half was given to Schubert’s Fifth Symphony. This work, in form, clearly recalls its classical parentage, but responds strongly to Beethoven’s Romantic influence. So, too, did the orchestra, with a gusto which, at times, overwhelmed the necessary Classical restraint and formality. Nonetheless, it amply expressed the gaiety and spirit of this work in a way which reflected the approach to the concert.