THE MUSICAL UNION'S CONCERT.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 43, 14 November 1907, Page 5

THE MUSICAL UNION'S CONCERT.

Sir, —-May I bo permitted to congratulato you on having on your staff a competent musical critic. Really, it is exceedingly gratifying to read in tho colonial Press a criticism in place of the usual fulsome eulogy. Tho notice of the concert given last night by the Musical Union was admirably troated by your critic, who put his finger with accuracy on tho many weak spots of what I. must confess appeared to me a very slipshod and insufficiently rehearsed work. There was a freshness and vigour, combined with musical insight and intelligence, in your notice that was positively refreshing. Now, contrast with it the account furnished by your evening contemporary. Tho chorus to tho Hymn of Praise, so far from being finejy interpreted, was slovenly, deficient in light and shado, and wanting altogether in balance and proportion. Tho choral parts in the " ISridc of Dunkorron " were also most unsatisfactory, and betrayed the want of adequate rehearsal, and tho samo remarks hold good, of the orchestra. To a very considerablo extent, 1 think, tho conductor must bo held,to blame—his boat was flaccid aiid unmeaning, and he nover once dominated by his personality either the chorus or orchestra. I have no interest whatever in any musical Society .in Wellington, and simply approach the subject as a lover of music.—l am, etc., MUSIC LOVER. November 13, 1907.