DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 18812, 10 December 1924, Page 5

DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

STANDARD MTJSIO WELL PLAYED. Tho fourth concert, of the Dunedin Orchestral Society’s thirty-seventh season was given in His Majesty’s Theatre last night to the satisfaction of an audience that practically filled the house. Time does this society no harm. It is musically as efficient as at any period of its existence, and certainly as popular as ever. Last night’s concert will not damage its reputation. It was a good concert, Tim candid friend might say that the playing lacked diversity—that the treatment of Wagner and Beethoven was rather too much alike—but that is about as far as any fair-minded person could criticise adversely. Mr James Coombs was in his place as the conductor, and held control throughout; whilst Mr J, A. Wallace again proved bis strength as leader. Tho march from the second act of 1 Tannhauser ’ opened a trifle shakily, but it steadied at the entry of tho horns, and (hereafter was very capably played, the tromboning particularly good; violins compact ; beautiful unison by flutes and cornets ; euphonium delightfully firm and good in tone; brass of good quality, but occasionally rather loud. The ‘ Mnscarado ’ airs do ballet, by Laconic, may be regarded as a feature of the concert. The opening cortege march was richly played, with lovely body and spirit, and in true balance save for the somewhat heavy drumming. Flute, clarinet, and violins put some very graceful work into the second movement, ‘ Harlequin and Columbine.’ and tho accompanying was simply exquisite. Flute was in great form in (ho lead of the minuet, and the whole, band sympathetic. The ’cello and horns leads were firm in the serenade, and the whole movement was made delightful by (ho excellent accord all round as to expression. The polncou was noticeable for tho splendid tone of (be tutli. Tho society is to be thanked for introducing a selection from ‘ The. I lying Dutchman,’ and congratulated on getting hold of such a good selection as lias been arranged by Charles Godfrey tho younger. .Some of the dramatic effects were very cleverly worked out. as, for instance, in the introduction to Senla’s song, and altogether tho music was treated characteristically. Tho fault to bo cured if this selection is to Bio put on again wns a tendency to heaviness in the accompaniments. A word of praise is due. to cornet soloist, for the way he sang Scuta’s song on his instrument, and tho ’cello’s treatment of Eric’s song was also the subject of commendation.

The ‘ Egrnont ’ overture opened with good expression and the required tenderness. The allegro was given out in nice proportion, (he parts well related, but hero and there the playing became rather coarse. The concluding allegro was hill of the “brio” that the composer stipulated for, and this vigor was combined with dignify and beauty, the finale thus giving a real taste of Beethoven. rhi' performance id four numbers of the ‘ ('asse iS'oisetto ? suite by i sclia if. on pioved that the orchestra had adequately prepared for tin's important presentation. The upper strings gave a beautiful lead in the march, and wore well supported by the brass. The * Danse Clunois is really giiic solo, ami this was superbly played and acconinunied in rare style. Tim crescendos of the accompaniments were, simple perfect, and would have been considered remarkable, oven from a professional orchestra. The ‘Danse dos Mirlitou-s ’ was made delicate and light; and the, Vnlse dos Fleurs ' was noticeable for the mnsicinnly introduction, in which the harp part'was skilfully supplied by Mrs J. D. Woods on tbo piano. Eilenberg’s ‘ Coronation ‘ March w»s played with stateliness and brilliance, the performance full of color and spirit. Miss Marjorio Reynoldson, making her first appearance in Dunedin at this concert, sang in groat style. The ‘ .Samson ami Delilah ’ air, ‘Softly Awakes My Heart,' was given with tenderness and meaning, but it was in ‘ Dream of Dolirdii/ in tbo second pfi-rt, tint the fuidience/heard this accomplished vocalist at her best. Her clear and rich dramatic mezzo-soprano voice rang out tiuo and dominating through the orchestral accompaniment, and in every way she proved her knowledge and her ability. Miss Reynoldson’s encore songs wore Make Up"’ and ‘Homing. 1 The first mentioned of these was made fresh by taking it at a speed that with her was not at all risky as to articulation, Mr L. A. North, tho other singer, .gave the audience of his host in ‘Life and Death,’ ‘ Sons of the Sea,' and, as encores, ‘ Sea * Fever ’ and ‘Sacrament.’ Mr North’s earnestness and sincerity are of considerable aid in all his singing, and he invariably pays his hearers the compliment of presenting a separate study of Cd played the accompaniments for both singers, and helped very greatly towards iheir successes.