MAORI MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1141, 31 May 1911, Page 11

MAORI MUSIC.

ME. ALFRED HILL'S STRING QUARTET. The first performance, in Australia, of Alfred Hill's "String Quartet (Maori) in B flat," a new classical work of a romantic character, excited the utmost enthusiasm at the Y.M.C.A. Hall last-night (says the Sydney "Herald" of May 19). The subscribers to this society, so ably directed by Mr. Cyril Monk, consist almost entirely of amateur anU professional musicians and connoisseurs of the art, the majority of whom have heard much in other ■parts of the world, so that the seal of an approval so emphatic really gives assurancs that a. composition of sterling vnluo has been added to tho comprehensive category of chamber music. Tho first- movement, "conjuring up tho Maori landscape," is not reflective, as might have been anticipated, but is marked by the virile harmonization and flood of bold, yet "plaintive, melody which gives character to the quartet as a whole. It was played with convincing animation by the four artists, Mr. Monk, tho composeiyMr. S. Vest .Tanssen, and Mr. Carl Gotsch. Tho rnsgiU quality of the warriors' theme in the "Waiata" dance,'and' the grace of the measure in which the maidens joined—tho latter, disappearing all too quickly—furnished the needed quality of contrast; but if was, after all, the Tnngi, or Lament, which entirely won the listeners. The poignancy of the harmonies, and the inexpressible sadness where the thertie was heard below the sustained tremolando of the first violin, touched the heart by tho appealing novelty of its national character. The applause which greeted the players at the close was so tempestuous that, a repetition would have been justified. The finale was once more marked by. the intensity of animation and the richness of colouring which give such a distinctive individuality to this fine composition. At the closs Mr. Hill was called forward with the other players, and also alone, again and again. It is much to hoped that sufficient influence may bo accessible to secure the introduction of the work in Europe and America. One of the speakers at tho Rousa reception by the Professional Musicians' Association said he hoped it would not bo long before an Australian band would visit America, and show the Americans what they could do in music. Mr. Sousa replied :"Judffing by the mnsic Mr. Alfred Hill ar.'.l his orchestra have just given us, you have a very high standard here already. If that is any criterion of performances in Australia, you are not at all behind us Americans in music."