MUSIC and RECORDS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 30, 29 October 1932, Page 17

MUSIC and RECORDS

(By

Symphony Orchestra. The Wellington Symphony Orchestra’s concert on Thursday evening next should attract a large attendance. Mr. De Mauuy’s excellent company of musicians will be heard in a very line programme, which will include Beethoven’s popular “Fifth Symphony in C Minor,” the brilliant overture to Mozart’s “Zauberflote” (“The Magic Flute”), Restique Fantastique,” the “Valse Triste” o tique Fantastique,” the “Valse Triste” of Sibelius and Bach’s “Air on G String.” The soloist will be Miss Christina Ormiston, soprano, who will sing the “Jewel Song” from Gounod’s “Faust,” accompanied by the orchestra. Music in New Zealand. The current issue of “Music in New Zealand” has among its interesting features sidelights on musical life In Soviet Russia, an anniversary appreciation of Franz Liszt, by Mr. L. D. Austin, "A Chat About the Ancestors of the Violin,” by Mr. Harold Riddle, L.T.C.L., and “More About New Zealand Organs,” by Mr. T. Vernon Griffiths. A Famous Savoyard. Another famous Savoyard of the early casts of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, Geraldine Ulmar, died a few weeks ago at her home in Merstham, Surrey. It was in May, 1887, that Miss Ulmar appeared at the Savoy, when she took the role of Rose Maybud in “Ruddigore,” in the absence of Miss Leonora Braham from the cast. Miss Ulmar, who was born in Boston, gained her first experience of the stage with the Boston Ideal Opera Company for six years, and in 1885 was engaged for the D’Oyly Carte. Company in New York, where she appeared as Yum-Yum in “The Mikado,” with sueh success that she came with the company to England, and thus succeeded to the part of Rose Maybud. Another important change in this cast at the Savoy was the engagement of H. A. Lytton (now Sir Henry Lytton) to sing the role of Robin Oakapple while George Grossmith was ill, an engagement which began a long and distinguished career in leading roles in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Miss Ulmar’s later roles included Josephine (“H.M.S. Pinafore”), November, 18S7; Mabel (“Pirates of Penzance”), March, 1888; and Yum-Yum ("The Mikado”), June, 18S8. She created the part of Elsie Maynard in “The Yeomen of the Guard” on October 3, 1888, and that of Gianetta in “The Gondoliers” on December 7, 1889. Fitzgerald, in his “Story of the Savoy Opera,” says of that first night of “The Yeomen of the Guard”“All the Savoyards, new and old, distinguished themselves in the opera, Miss Jessie Bond in particular, though with many Miss Geraldine Ulmar was the favourite.” After quitting the Savoy in July, 1890, Miss Ulmar appeared in “The Geisha” and other George Edwardes productions, and on her retirement from the stage became a teacher of singing. A month before her death, she suffered a serious Illness, which left her blind. Bach as a Tonic. The Duchess of Atholl, M.P., recently addressed a meeting in Edinburgh, held in connection with the conference of the International Federation of University Women, on "The Value of Music in Education.” “I fly to Bach when I am troubled or depressed,” she said. “Five minutes of Bach is a great tonic. Music can lift us to heights far above this earthly sphere. Music shows us the human soul, and can reach out to something infinitely greater than what we are accustomed to see and hear around us. It seems to me that music is of great value in these days of materialism and agnosticism, when attempts are even being made to eliminate religion.

C.J.M.)

If you hear a boy whistling in the street vou know there is not much the matter 'with him. One of the nicest things to hear is negroes singing at their work as 1 did in South Africa. Singing makes you good tempered. It is difficult, if not impossible, to sing when you are angry. I cannot imagine any better way of learning to concentrate on work or learning accuracy than the study of any musical instrument, such as the piano. A boy or girl loving music and desiring to interpret it accurately must unconsciously acquire the sense of values you see illustrated in the music. Bach’s music seems to me like an ideal debating society, where everyone is good mannered in discussion, everyone gets a fair hearing, and a conclusion is reached which is satisfactory to everyone.” Songs of Kinship. A little song, entitled “Britons Over the Sea,” which was published here less than two years ago to encourage Imperial patriotism among young people, was despised and rejected by some highbrows in New Zealand (writes “J.M.”), but it found an ark in Canada, where a cousin of the composer was Governor of British Columbia at the time. Now, notwithstanding bad times and adverse criticism, returns and royalties are coming in on a small scale, and “Britons Over the Sea” is doing its bit by disseminating Imperial patriotic sentiment among young peopie. Indeed, it is possible that the little song may be in Ottawa by this I time. If this patriotic effort can influence for good, surely it would be worth while for some of its critics to write something better I If mind rules matter, patriotic sentiment should go toward improving economic conditions these hard times. More than half a century'ago a song entitled “Hard Times Come Again No More,” did much toward creating optimists. Recorded Music. The Light Opera Company spiritedly sings vocal gems from Caryll’s “Duchess of Dantzig,” which was successfully revived last year in Sydney for Dorothy Brunton. The selection contains “Once Our Lips the Bourbons Owned,” “My Sabots,” “Wine of France,” “Do You Remember,” Chorus of Soldiers. “The Milliner Monarch,” “Le Petit Corporal,” “First Right, then Left,” “For Knightly Truth,” and “Low Let Them Breathe Good-bye.” The voices are good, the chorus full of animation, and the recording excellent. (H.M.V.). Benno Moiseiwitsch plays an excerpt from the E Minor Concerto by Medtner, a Russian composer, who until recently resided in Russia. His symphonies have created widespread interest in Europe, and he is regarded as one of the great modern masters of the symphonic form. The “Suggestion Diabolique,” Op. 4, is one of Prokofleff’s early works, brilliant and bristling with difficulties. This number figured successfully in Moiseiwitseh’s programmes during his recent tour. The recording is remarkable. Both works will enrich modern pianoforte music. (H.M.V.). Pablo Casals, the great Spanish ’cellist, very dreamily plays' Mendelssohn's beautiful “Song Without Words” in D Major, op. 109. It is probably the success and popularity of most of Mendelssohn’s “Songs Without Words” which induced him to compose this “song” especially for the ’cello. The great ’cellist’s art is recreated with realism, and the piano accompaniment also stands out well. On the reverse side Casals plays two short works, displaying his singing and sonorous tone in an arrangement of Dvorak’s “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” and his brilliant technique in Rimsky - Korsakoff’s Scherzo, “The Flight of the Bumble Bee,” arranged by Strimer. (H.M.F.). Moszkowski’s suite, “From Foreign Lands,” which is recorded by the Berlin State Opera Orchestra, is a magnificent piece Of descriptive writing. In this work he presents tone pictures of Italy, Germany, Spain, and Hungary, and brings out with uncanny skill the characteristics of the music of those countries. This work was originally written as a pianoforte duet, but it is now chiefly known for its brilliant orchestral arrangement, which is vivid and rich in texture. The playing of the Berlin orchestra is marked by admirable definition of instrumental colouring. (H.M.V.). BANDS AND BANDSMEN (By “Knelier Hall.”) TO CORRESPONDENTS.—Band secretaries are invited to forward reports of | ccucerts and band functions generally by Wednesday of each week, in order to ensure publication in the following Saturday’s issue of “The Dominion.” Belle Vue Resits. The Belle Yue September Contest, one of the two great annual events in the British band world—the other being the Crystal Palace contest, held a month later —resulted :—Brighouse and Rastrick, 1; Nelson Old, 2; Metropolitan Works, 3; Baxendales, 4; Luton, 5: Amington, 6. The test piece was “The Crusaders,” the composer being Dr. Keighley. It is a symphonic rhapsody, founded on Sir Walter Scott's novel ‘ The Talisman.” Praise for Ashburton. Mr. R. J. Estall, who has been appointed adjudicator for the Masterton Band Contest which eventuates on November 19, in conversation with a Press representative remarked on the pleasure which the wonderful success of the Ashburton contest gave to all who attended it. “It was a splendid outing.” he continued, “a beautiful day, lovely surroundings, and fine music; and lastly, but of great importance, due in no small part to the capable business management of the organisers aided by the secretary of the N.Z.8.8.A.. Mr. J. G. Osborne. I have never seen a contest run better. I had a most enjoyable time.” The work of the energetic Contes., secretary, Mr. E. R. Hopwood, and the other members of the contest committee, is also deserving of great praise, and it is generally recognised that had it not been for the co-ordination of all sections interested the contest would not have been the success it turned out to be. Masterton Prepared. Affairs in connection with the forthcoming Masterton contest on November 19 have made great progress, so much so that with ordinary luck suc-

cess is assured. Eleven bands will compete, and all the preparatory work has been finalised. All that is needed is fine weather, and it is hoped that Jupiter Pluvius will be in a clement mood when the all-important day arrives.

Value of Minor Associations. From many quarters have come signs of increased activity in band affairs outside the main centres, and reports are frequent of minor associations having been formed or in the process of formation. A doubt has been expressed as to whither this quickening of spirit is leading, and some timorous souls fear that it may react adversely on the N.Z-8.8.A. Ou this subject an esteemed correspondent writes :—“Personally, I do not think that the formation of provincial associations will affect in the slightest degree the popularity of the N.Z.8.8.A. On the contrary, it should improve the prospects, for the Dominion contests when we get out of the present depression. Bands who now would feel a bit shy about competing in a big contest, after they have competed once or twice in a provincial contest will probably feel like fluttering their wings and enter for the big contests. Bands generally would not be wholly satisfied with provincial contests, which will probably only whet their appetite for something better.” This is undoubtedly the right view to take. It may be that in course of time A grade contests will take place at longer Intervals, but the honour of winning will lie all the greater and the objective will be all the more worth striving for.

Oamaru Municipal. Oamaru Municipal Band is getting busy in view of the approaching band contest at Dunedin in February next. The band has decided to enter for the A grade section, and has already begun its practices for the quickstep competition. The open-air concerts have already started in the southern city, and at the band’s appearance last Sunday evening at the Botanical Gardens the programme included the marches “New Colonial.” “Australasian,”, and “National Emblem” ; waltz. “Destiny”; cornet solo, “Perfect Day’’; selection, “Semiramide”; “Soldiers’ Chorus” from “Faust”; and a bracket of hymns.

N.Z.8.8.A. Secretary Thanked. Mr. John G. Osborne, secretary of the New Zealand Brass Bands’ Association, who attended the recent Ashburton contest in his official capacity, has received the following acknowledgment of the services lie rendered from Mr. J. Trevor Thomas, supervisor of the contest: “Please allow me to express to you my personal thanks for your assistance to me as supervisor. Your help was much appreciated and helped tremendously in making the band contest such an unqualified success.” Hooliganism at Recitals.

Occasion was taken recently to comment in this column on the bad behaviouh of some individuals'at band recitals in Wellington, and it appears that Christchurch has had the same experience. Beyond the protest herein made, little more was heard on the matter, but in the Cathedral City it was considered important enough to bring before the City Council. Youths climbed over the seats and whistling and cat-calls were indulged in, to the annoyance of some of the performers and the rest of the audience. The Bylaws Committee in its report stated that some of the items given were unsuitable for a Sunday. The committee had informed the band that unless a more strict supervision was maintained during the progress of concerts given by it, the committee would have seriously to consider the question of refusing ‘the band any further permits to hold Sunday concerts. The band had also been informed that only items approved prior to the concert were to be given. The committee’s report was adopted.

Early Band History. In connection with the early stages of brass band progress in Taranaki, Mr. W. F. Gordon, writing in the “Herald,” mentions several members of the first volunteer band to be formed in New Plymouth, of which Mr. R. C. Hamerton was the first bandmaster. These were: W. Laurence and W. Black, junior, side-drummers; J. Minns, bass drum; C. E. Rawson (later District Judge Rawson), cornet; E. T. Morshead (later a well-known organist), clarionet; G. Bayly, cornet;- W. D. Francis (later organist and choirmaster St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, New Plymouth), cornet; J. Ronalds, clarionet; J. Duncan, bombardon ; J. Feale, clarionet. “I have been informed,” writes Mr. Gordon, “that Mr. Thomas Humphries was also a member of the band, and I think also that Mr. T. Hamerton must have be•longed to it, as he was a great enthusiast and later had a very good band at Patea.” In the early ’7o’s, Mr. Townsend formed a band of which be was conductor. Mr. Thomas Hughes, the veteran bandmaster, who still lives in New Plymouth, took over Mr. Townsend’s band in 1875, and iu ISi9, with the rank of lieutenant, was bandmaster of the Cavalry Corps, Egmont Mounted Rifles, of which Mr. J. Ainsley was band sergeant. In 1880 Mr. Hughes was conductor of the New Plymouth Town Band, and in the same year a visit to New Plymouth of the Armed Constabulary Band, then stationed at Pungarehu and conducted by Mr. Dixon, gave a fillip to band work in Taranaki's capital city. The personnel of New Plymouth Town Band in 1880 was: Thomas Hughes, conductor (cornet), Hainer Arden, IF. Smith, J. Commerer, G. Marsh, and J. E. B. Brewster (cornets), A. 11. Arnold (baritone), J. IL Ainsley (baritone), T. Wildman (trombone), Troughton (euphonium), W. C. Phillips

(bombardon), W. F. Gordon (solo [ alto) F. W. Richmond (clarinet), W. J. Shaw (clarinet), Brookes (alto horn), R. Hooker (bass drum). Ballarat Contest. The South Street contest at Ballarat is in full swing and has passed its fourth week. The band competitions should be in progress now, as the intention was to devote the earlier part of the programme to school competitions, elocution and dramatic art, dancing, etc., and leave the more important section to the last few days. It is hoped to have a complete list in due course to hand, and the judge’s comments as well. Popular Conductor. A pleasant function took place at the annual meeting of the Queen Alexandra’s Own Baud, Wanganui,, held recently, when Lieutenant E. M ebb, the band’s popular conductor, was piesented with a silver-mounted baton by the citizens’ committee. Mr. E. VS. F. Gohns, the band’s president, who made the presentation, spoke of the good work Lieutenant Webb had done and is doing for the Queen Alexandra’s Own, and congratulated him on the high standard of efficiency which had been attained under his guidance. Occasion was also taken to present Mr. George James with a silver medal in recognition of his having attended every practice and parade during the past two years. Olla Podrida. A slow melody contest was held early in the year at Llay, near Wrexham, North Wales. This is a type of competition that has not so far made its appearance in New Zealand, but judging from past experiences some of the Dominion bands have already qualified as candidates for such a function. Public interest in band matters is

kept well alive iu the Old Country, and there is hardly any centre of importance that does not hold its annual contest. It does one’s heart good to learn that at the last Leicester band contest 65 bands competed I Colwyn Bay Town Band (Eng.) has among' it§ members seven brothers, all of whom take active parts in the organisation. Their total year’s service amounts to 92, the figures ranging from seven years to 35 years. A member of the Marlow Town Band, Berks. (Eng.), recently got married, and his bride was fortunate enough to win later £lOOO in an open competition. The band is in hopes that the newly-weds will not forget the instrument fund. For the West of England Band Festival last month “Lavinia” was chosen as the test piece at Bugle, and “Deep Harmony” at Wadebridge. The “Daily Record and Mail.” Glasgow, is a great supporter of brass bands, and in furtherance of its interest has offered a free course in the theory of music to all bandsmen and bandmasters, and over 3000 have taken advantage of this offer so far. This is a scheme of inestimable benefit to bandsmen, and will go a long way iu improving the Scottish bands. At a band contest held at Belfast, Ireland, at the beginning of the year, Mr. Harold Hind, L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M., was the adjudicator. In the course of his awards he pointed out some glaring mistakes, and many wrong notes were played. He also referred to the method of “gliding” in trombones, instead of straight tongueing, which he illustrated to the assembled bandsmen. It may interest bandsmen to learn, that the changing of the name of the Knelier Hall paper—the “Leading Note” was lately under consideration by the authorities of the famous English band college.