ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 19891, 13 June 1928, Page 3

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

URGE AUDIENCE WELL PLEASED Bright music of the obvious type, cxplorable by good playing, freeing performers and audience from profound searching into meanings, was selected by the Dunedin Orchestral Society for the second concert of the forty-first season given at His Majesty’s Theatre last night, and most of it was handled in a capable manner, bringing further credit to this very worthy orchestra and its highly popular conductor (Mr James Coombs) , and strengthening the belief that it is a privilege to bo a member of such a worthy organisation. It was a concert that entertained and satisfied. The attendance was quite up to the average, the cold weather having no diminishing influence, and, as usual, the arrangements for the comfort of the audience constituted a hearty welcome. Everyone always feels at home when answering the Orchestral Society’s beckoning. Fifty-five players assembled for the occasion. The ten first violins, led in accomplished stylo by Mr Wallace, played so accordantly as to secure and maintain a firm lead in the many passages that gave them that responsibility; the second violins never showed better form; the brass section was alert throughout and careful as to weight and tone; the reeds good, though not in full force, and occasionally brilliant.

Nicolai’s over-popular overture ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ was given with inspiring liberty and colour. The opening slow movement swelled and diminished with evenness, and the allegro was cleverly worked up to full strength without losing tone. Mr Coombs hold firm command throughout. As an instance, the prompt pull off in weight to let the oboe speak his few bars is well worthy of mention, and there were other similar successes. Towards the general good results the soreness of the first violins and the coiisiderateiiess of the brass were important aids. Euphonium and trombones were deserving of special praise. The one sinner in that section was a horn, who now and then seemed to be rather enjoying himself. With a little more rehearsal the reverie ‘ La Colombo ’ (Gounod) could be made very acceptable. As beard last night, a 'cello and a viola were apart sometimes, and the diminuendo required a bit more working up; but these were only passing defects in a performance that was listened to with pleasure, especially fhe passages in which tho wood-wind had opportunities.

Two movements of Beethoven’s 1 Symphony No. 8 in F ’ came next. To the allegro vivace all the necessary brightness was imparted, the players “ letting go ” in the most confident and cheerful style, yet preserving the ingredient of seriousness. Once or twice the performers’ eagerness seemeu likely to produce riot, but the conductor sighted the risk in time and restored accord. The treatment of the allegretto stood out as a charming demonstration of cultured team playing, every instrument doing well, all obedient, with tho result that the tone at all strengths was delightful and the inner parts well heard. As the ending of the movement is somewhat abrupt, those of the audience who do not know the symphony were unprepared with the applause that all felt ready to give as a reward for a signal success. Me understand that the other two movements of this symphony arc being .studied for the next concert.

The contributions by the orchestra in the second part were the overture to ‘ The Magic Flute,’ the rich music of which was given out jubilantly and with unerring effect; then a selection from ‘ Dinorab,’ its performance being brightened by some uncommonly skilful solo work from oboe, euphonium, cornel, and clarinet; and, as a. wind-up, ‘ The Outpost’ march, dashed off with jollity that never did any damage. if the numerous listeners included any who wore hearing Miss Dorothy Skinner for the first time, it may be as well to assure them that this young lady’s voice was not quite at its best-kit lacked the usual resonance, the result of a cold. Her success in ‘The Three Fishers.' in the air from Handel’s ‘ Admoto,’ and in the encore songs came largely from her scholarship, her good taste, and her proficiency in concert deportment. These merits sufficed to enchain the interest of tho audience and give hearty impulse to her recall in each part. Miss Gawne’s help at tne piano was delightfully musicianly. Tho other singer was Mr Jan M. Rutherford, who was making his first appearance in concerts of this class, and He, also, fairly won the anplause that was showered upon him. He sang ‘ Ombra Mai Fu ’ intelligently, getting into it the feeling without weeping, and, moreover, displaying freedom in the upper register of his agreeable baritone voice. Other songs by Mr Rutherford were almost equally acceptable, each being made a. careful study. We congratulate this young singer and his preceptress, Miss Ida. White (who played his accompaniments) upon a debut that is rich in promise.