A MUSICAL TREAT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 97, 21 October 1936, Page 5

A MUSICAL TREAT

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

It was a matter of some interest last night to see what degree at support was accorded by the puoiic on the occasion of the Weilingcon Symphony Orchestras third concert tor tne season, which was given, as usual, in the Town iiail. When Dr. Maicoim Sargent was here recently and conaucted tne orchestra, his magnetic " was instrumental in literally lining the Town Wall. Before he lei c these shores he exhorted Wellingtonians to support liberally their musical organisations, of which he spoke very favourably, and last night's concert was an opportunity for seeing whether his exhortations had been heeded or= whether they had fallen on deaf ears. So it was distinctly gratifying to find the Town Hall comparatively well filled, many more being present than has been the case at some previous concerts. So it is apparent now that when "the sound •of the dulcimer, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds oil music is heard in tne land," Wellington—to continue the Biblical phraseology—is no; longer as "a deaf adder that stoppeth up her ears." And it was equally gratifying to find the orchestra reaching. ■ such heights,- for it is doubtful whether ever before they have played so well, except on the occasions when conducted by Dr. Malcolm Sargent. Now nearly a: hundred years old, Nicolai's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" overture, with its captivating melodies and thoroughly sound orchestration, was as pleasing as ever, and formed an excellent opening number, the orchestra-responding intelligently to Mr. Frank Crowther.'s beat. After this initial effort, which was warmly applauded, Mrs. < Wilfred Andrews, accompanied by the orchestra, sang "Sapphic Ode"- arid "Love Triumphant" (Brahms). ■ In each number there was perfect understanding between the orchestra and the contralto, and the result was eminently pleasing from all points of view. An insistent recall was inevitable after such a polished performance, and the audience was more than pleased with "Sunday," which was also sung to orchestral accompaniment. The Bach "Concerto in <D Minor" for two violins and orchestra provided one of the two main items of the evening's programme. The solo' violinists were Miss Ava Symons and Mr. Leon de Mauny, the orchestra being conducted by Mr. Frank Crowther. Which of the three movements found most favour with the audience it is hard to say. The delightful vivaciousness of the; first is followed by more melodic repose in the second, while the "allegro"'third movement reverts to joyousness again. At the conclusion both soloists and orchestra received a richly-deserved ovation. The. finest treat of all, however, was afforded when, after the interval, the orchestra, under the baton of Mr. de Mauny, presented, one of Tschaikowsky's several masterpieces—his famous "Symphony N0... 5 in E Minor." This magnificent work, so dynamic and colourful in its structure, found the orchestra wanting, . in; hardly . any respect. ■< All sections •of the -orchestra rose tp supreme heights, maintaining excellent balance and tone throughout This indeed was- a veritable triumph .for Mr. de Mauny and his players, and the ovation which followed •was more than deserved. A fitting finale to a memorable concert was the "Rakoezy" march.by the French composer Berlioz. His thorough mastery of orchestration is. well displayed in this ttumber. which was played .with a refreshing crisbness and incisiveness.