ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 23335, 3 August 1939, Page 6

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

SECOND CONCERT OF SEASON ENGLISH COMPOSERS FEATURED A light programme that held a decidedly popular appeal was given by the Dunedin Ore lie. Aral Society in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last evening. Works by modern English composers were featured, and altogether there was assembled material for a pleasant, if unpiovocativc, performance. The first two of'these were badly played, and if they had set the key for the whole evening it could no.t have been anything but a distressing experience. Fortunately the orchestra redeemed itself at this stage, and went on to offer a series of quite enjoyable presentations. It was not in the most effective balance, but Dr Vernon Griffiths worked hard and achieved some compelling readings, particularly in the more vigorous music and where there were lively rhythms and quick tempos. In the quieter and restrained passages the orchestra was frequently uneasy. The introductory works were the march from Maurice Besly’s ‘ Chelsea China ’ suite and Roger Quilter’s ingenious and engaging ‘ Children’s Overture,’ the most notable characteristics of which were tho unhappy and quite inescapable differences in pitch. These performances suggested to the critical ear an uninviting prospect in what was to follow, but with the exhilarating ‘ Dance of the Comedians ’ by Smetana the orchestra made handsome amends. This was given with dash and viyid colouring. The unanimity with which it was played was sustained in K. A. Wright’s fantasy on Bohemian airs. Its more robust passages were thoroughly convincing, but again there was a lameness in the reflective moods. Alec Rowley’s ‘ Down Channel ’ was a breezy affair, the wood-wind showing up better in its opening than at any stage of the evening. There is rich orchestration in this arrangement of sea shanties, and here the orchestra scored a clear success. John Ansell’s Overture in G Minor, with its intriguing elaborations on old English hunting tunes, was another bright effort. It was not consistently played, but was nevertheless given with agreeable verve. The concert concluded with three cameos In the ‘ Irish Scenes ’ of Oscar Naylor. The orchestra was led by Miss Stella Bayley. In the solo music heard last evening the performance of Mr John MI Caw, a young clarinetist, commanded immediate interest. Hia playing was smooth, easy, and clear, and he produced a charming tone. His music brought a storm of applause from the _house ; and altogether it was an exceptional interlude. The vocal soloists were Miss Marion Gubb, a young soprano of distinct promise, and Mr Raymond Wentworth, whose pleasant baritone < was admirably set in some invigorating English ballads. Mr William Clark, another young artist, gave several dynamic piano solos, the best being the Rachmaninoff Prelude in G Minor. He played with much power. A string quartet, consisting of Miss N. Hobson. Dr M. Simenauer, Mr W. Lang, and Mr A. Blyth, presented the poco adagio can’tabile from the Haydn Quartet in C Major, and finely accentuated its quiet beauty. The accompaniments were shared by Miss Eunice Steadman and Dr Griffiths.