GREYMOUTH ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 December 1911, Page 3

GREYMOUTH ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

THIRD CONCERT OF THE SEASON." The third concert of the Greymouth Orchestral Society's tenth season was held in the Opera House last night, and in spite of the very inclement weather was greeted with the usual compliment of a crowded 'house. After the keen political warfare that has just ended a programme, such as presented by the Orchestral Society last night', was more than ever welcome, for as Pope says

By music, minds an equal temper know, Nor swell too high, nor sink too low ; Intestine wars no more our passion wage, And giddy factions hear away their . rage.

All the items contributed last night showed clear indications or painstaking practice, and Mr G. T. Moss had the orchestra always well in hand. The attack was at all times good and for the most part the note was cut sharp off to the beat. Special mention should be made of the excellent work done by the first violins who were splendidly lead by Mr E. Apted. The brass and wood wind are also good, although the flutes did not always produce a clear tone. The programme opened with Suppe's overture "Banditenstreiche." The brass opened well, and good work was done by the whole orchestra right through. The expression marks were carefully observed and the individual work was a whole stylish and full of character. The following number "Loin du bal" (Gillet) it was however) that roused the enthusiasm of the audience. This is a pretty waltz movement for miited strings. Splendid work. was done by the 'cello. The accompaniment was nicely subdued and at no time preponderated. The audience were not satisfied until the number had been ! repeated. Great interest was atttached to the next number "Kingsbury," a waltz composed by' Mr Eric Moss and dedicated by him to the Waitaki High School of which he is an ex-pupil. The young'composer is to be complimented on the excellence of his work. The waltz has a good body in it, and an excellent swing which will make it extremely popular. The orchestra played it con amore and the audience testified their appreciation with cordial applause which was continued until Mr E. Moss rose and bowed his acknowledgement. We trust that we will have the pleasure of hearing further contributions from the same source. The most ambitious of the orchestra's contributions last night was a selection from Ponchielli's opera "La Gioconda" arranged by Godfrey. Mr Moss had devoted particular careto the preparation of this number, and he has reason to feel more than satisfied with the results of his labours. The opening chorus found the band well in hand and good work was done by the flutes. A well played cadenza by the clarionette introduced the cornet solo "Thanks to thee, angelic voice," which was played with considerable expression. Another pretty number is the barcarolle "Fisherman thy oait now lower," taken as euphonium solo. The orchestra played the chorus "Marinaresca" in good style, and the elfin music of the "Dance of the Hours," with which the selection ends was capi. tally handled. One of the most charming of numbers was the idyl." The whisperings of the Flowers," a dainty morceau, played with muted strings. The piquancy and witchery of the music were done full justice to, ami the encore was well deserved. The remaining numbers were the overture "Shamus O'Brien," a selection of Irish melodies, which presented a number of difficulties in the way of time, and the popular II Trovatore selection, which has been previously given by the orchestra. In both pieces the oiv chestra kept up the high standard it had maintained right through the concert.

The. Society, were specially fortunate in the selection of its soloists which included two voices new to Greymouth, Miss Lamacroft who lias lately become a resident of Greymouth made her first bow to a, local audience. Ht"' first number ''Hush my little one," created quite a furore and before the audience would allow her to depart she had to contribute three additional items. Each song was of an entirely different character and served to show the full range and riower of her magnificent voice. She sings with considerable dramatic force and her enunciation was perfect, even in the softest passages every syllable being distinctly heard. Miss Parsons, a visitor from Chrstchurch, also created a very favorable impression. She has a sweet and flexible voice and her enunciation was also very good. Her first song "Every Sabbath thine altar shall be lighted," was sung with much expression, but sho rendered her encore number with even better effect and had to repeat it before being allowed to depart, Mis s E- Hairnan, who is always a favourite, was in excellent voice- Her song "Remembrance'' (Telma) us by no means an easy one to sing. This young lady can sing slow music well in tune, and all her work shows evidences of careful preparation. Mr F. McCarthy supplied the violin obligate in rare taste. Pier encore "Sing softly, sing lightly" was equally well rendered. Ifr George Holder, sang "The Two Grenadiers" (Schumann) in capital style and had to respond to an encore. Mr Lawn contributed "Bid me Love'" with violin obligate by Mr Anted. "Mr fjawn was at his best, and (lie song w'VS given with considerable expression, His epcore number was also pleasingly given. Mrs Cadzow aided as accompanist and that is a sufficient guarantee, that the singers had the best assistance possible.

Before concluding Mr Moss thanks the audience for their large attendance. It was a compliment to the Society to see »u«ll a large attendance with such disagieeable conditions outside. He would say nothing of the work of he orchestra. He would leave that to the audience to judge for themselves, but he would sa,y that for the sinning that they had had a rare musical treat. Applause). He did not intend to individualise—a conductor who did so was on dangerous ground. He would merely say this : How fortunate the people of Greymouth were to have a young lady of Miss Lamacroft's abilities living in their midst and teaching, He was always on the look out for people of musicaj ability settling here, but they were rare l)jrds. The Society had also to thank Miss (Parsons, a visitor from Christchurch, who had kindly consented to sing and had given them a rare musical treat. It «was his intention to get fclHg&rs at frequent intervals from Christchurch and from Punedin. He was very pleased to see the large audience present,, but he would remind them that she' concerts were for subscribers. He was greatly pestered with people who OT) Pto his office asking for tickets, and'in ttiost cases these applicants were more M& to pay for the- tickets than he was. If peopfe wanted to go to fhe concert they should pay tor it. (Applause). He ' hoped that they would take the hint, the upkeep of the orchestra cost «, erood deal of money. £4O worth of music had recently been procured and in the present programme only one item was not new. The Vfr chestra got a considerable pleasure out 0 i the work thev did but they relied on the public to support them. In conclusion he thanked, the local singers,

Miss liannan and Messrs Lawn and Holder for their assistance and last but not least he wished to. thank their' accompanist for her"valuable services. The concert concluded at ten o'clock with . the playing pi the National Anthem. <