TRAMWAYS MILITARY BAND.

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 96, 23 April 1917, Page 3

TRAMWAYS MILITARY BAND.

The second recital of the Municipal Tramways Military Band was ■ given in His Majesty's Theatre last night, before a largo audience. The band ; has attained a high degree of excellence, and in all its selections last night, both

grave and gay, caught the atmosphere of the pieces, and tihe result was surprisingly true to the composers' conception. Commencing with Auber's difficult overture, " Zanetta," with its intricate chromatic passages, the performers went through an admirable programme. In the opening number all the instruments were prominent, and the^ players; individually and collectively, showed a good insight into the musical possibilities of the work. The finale Was exceptionally good. In contrast, was the light, airy Gavotte number, " Language of Flowers," a delightful melody. The rural suite, " Woodland Pictures," was the.only repeat item, and it lost none, of its charm by repetition. The more solemn romance, "Dying Poet" (Gottschalk) proved a popular selection, the main theme being taken up in fine style by all the instruments with' soft running accompaniment by the minors. The reverie was distinctly well played. The dashing march, "L'Entente, Cordiale," was played as the concluding number. The band lent valuable assistance in "L'Oiseau dv Bois," in which Mr. P. Minifie took the piccolo solo. ' His dexterous fingering and clear production were noted, and he was enthusiastically recalled. Miss Janie Petrie recited *" Dream Ring of the Desert" in her usual finished style, and Mr.. H. F. Wood, the popular tenor, scored a great success with his fine rendering of " Margarita".; he, too, was encored; • The whole performance was well up to the band's high musical standard. Mr. G. W. Bowes, conductor, displayed nice judgment and good control, with pleasing effect.