PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 19892, 14 June 1928, Page 16

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY

ID GOOD CONCERT FORM A clear and refined performance of good music was given by the Dunedin Philharmonic Society in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. The second concert of tho season was attended with conspicuous success from every aspect. The playing of the orchestra throughout the evening’ must have been gratifying to the members of tho society, who were present in force. The orchestra was under tho baton of .Mr T. J. Kirk-Burunand, who has taken over during the absence of Signor Squarjsc. Although Mr Kirk-Bunniaiid has been in charge for a very short time, the concert performance was a distinctly creditable ono. A nice balance and unity of expression was maintained, and a notable standard of competency was the result. No harshness was evident, and the majority of the selections received broad, musicianly treatment. Both orchestra and . soloists had warm receptions. One suggestion, if. it might be permitted, to the society! Several concerts of this nature have been held with tho theatre fully lit, which has aroused some comment. The house being in darkness ensures concentration, both on the part of performers ami audience, and eliminates to a. .certain extent tho distractions caused by careless people. The orchestral programme opened with the grand march, ‘ Fame and Glory’ (Matt), which was played with the true inarch spirit, with a good swing and a steady rhythm. Nicolai’s ever-green overture, ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor,’ was a decidedly popular selection. Excellent treatment was shown in the delicacy of the slow introduction, and in the gradual rising from the basses to tho violins there was a richness of tone of striking quality. The allegro section was very happily played. ‘Spring’s Awakening,’ a refreshing little descriptive composition by A. Bach, was played in a subdued manner. The horn solo in the introduction was notable for its finished execution, tho strings taking up tho simple air, and playing it with considerable charm,. Tho diminuendo in the conoluding bars was most, effective. Tho 1 Liebestraum ’ was another old favourite, which received a warm welcome. Tho theme of Liszt’s familiar air must surely rank as ono of the most beautiful melodies over written. The strings caught tho dreamy spirit of the old lovo song, and created quite tho necessary air of romanticism. Glazounow’s ‘Fifth Symphony in B Flat ’ was impressive in its dignity. Tho first mo.omeut of the symphony was played, and it provided an exacting test for tho whole orchestra. A virile performance was given, and although the tone was a little frayed at times, tho interpretation was quite cllectivc. Tho overture to J'lotow's ‘ Stradolla ’ was full of bright and lively passages, and this melodious composition was stirring in execution. Sonority of tone was apparent in the ‘Hymn to the Sun,’ a brilliantly descriptive symphonic poem by Mascagni. Tho varying phases of day were given colourful illustration, particularly by tho strings. A selection from ‘La Boheme ’ (Puccini) introduced many wellknown airs from that famous opera. Tho interpretation accorded these beautiful airs was sympathetic and intelligent. Sir Edward Elgar’s romance, ‘Saint D’Amour,’ provided an excellent setting for tho skill of tho strings, woodwind, and horns. Tho orchestral programme thou concluded with a sprightly version of ‘ Three Dances,’ by Sir Edward Gorman. The performances of tho soloists associated with the orchestra were tully in keeping with tho high musical standard set bv the instrumental players. Despite* tho fact that she was suffering from a, very severe cold, Miss Irene Horniblow exorcised considerable vocal artistry in ‘Arista 0 bun (Day), ‘ Only tho Bivcr Running By ’ (Hopkins), and Sir London Ronald’s ‘Prelude.’ Miss Horniblow gave each song intelligent treatment, and although naturally she was not in tho host ol form her numbers were decidedly worth listening to. Mr Mortlcy Peake sang ‘The Wanderer,’ a line song b.v Schubert, with a nice regard as to its dramatic value. The full, resonant quality of his voice was also heard to advantage in ‘Dedication,’ by Franz, and in Cowcn’s ‘Onaway, Awake, Beloved. Mr Pcnko could have employed a little more declamatory effect, but nevertheless he sang very pleasantly. Dr do Ciive Lowe showed considerable technical skill and finished tonal expression in tho fourth movement of Ccesar Franck’s sonata for the violin and pianoforte, and gave a pleasing and effective interpretation of an oxtremelv difficult selection. Mr H. M. Nces played a Unto solo, Humoreske (Hahncker'i with skill, surmounting the technical difficulties of a tuneful httlo piece with case.