MUSICAL.

Evening Star, Issue 7610, 12 May 1888, Page 2

MUSICAL.

ORGAN RECITAL. An organ recital was given in the First Church last evening by Mr J. Timson, organist of the church. There was a largo attendance of members of the congregation and others, who were treated to an excellent selection of music. Mr TimsoD, who is a recent arrival from Home, was for some years organist to Sir Robert Menzies, of Neem, Perthshire, and leader cf the Aberfeldie Choral Union. Judging from his playing last evening, he is a thorough musician as well as a most skilful interpreter of the most varied compositions. His most appreciated selections was perhaps the always popular ' Wedding March'; two of Sir Henry Smart's works, Festive March in D, and Grand Solemn March in E flat, and a beautiful Andante movement by Mozart, that was especially well played. Variety was lent ta the entertainment by Miss Mollison singing extremely well Handel's trying air ' Angels ever bright and fair,' while the choir sang Staincr's anthem ' What are these that are arrayed' very creditably. SMOKE CONCERT. The first of the Dunedin Orchestral Society's "smoke concert" for the present season was given in the Choral Hall last evening, when over 150 members attended and thoroughly enjoyed the liberal programme arranged for the occasion. The most popular features of these concerts are of course the orchestral selections, and of these there were last evening a splendid assortment, including several novelties. The opening piece was the sparkling overture to ' Domino Noir,' which was followed by the pretty waltz ' Pluie d'Or,' both played in efficient style, and succeeded by one of the gems of the programme—an arrangement of airs from ' Girofle.' The splendid manner in which this was executed fairly roused the enthusiasm of the audience, who applauded long and heartily. The Spanish waltz ' Santiago' and the gavotte ' Queen Christina,' both very taking compositions, were also well received ; and then came the overture to ' Nabucodonosor,' a truly beautiful instance of Verdi's feitile creative genius, and one that will well bear repetition at any of the society's concerts. Bosquet's sprightly 'Andalusian' bolero succeeded, and the orchestra brought their labors to a close with a dashing rendering of the spirited galop ' Chasing Depression. During the evening Mr H. B. Smith, who Mas in fine voice, sang Pinsuti's 'Bedouin Love Song' and Poniatowski's ' Yeoman's Wedding Song' in capital style, and was heartily encored for each; while Mr Hayes contributed ' My Sweetheart when a Boy' in a very fair style, and also sang Adams's ' Maid of the Mill,' a somewhat depressing ditty, for which, however, the vocalist obtained an encore.