"TALES OF HOFFMANN”

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 July 1931, Page 3

"TALES OF HOFFMANN”

SUCCESS AT TOWN HALL It was ’amply demonstrated last evening that the Clerk of the Weather is no lover of music. Conditions could scarcely have been worse for the Greymouth Philharmonic Society’s presentation of the concert version of “Tales of Hoffmann” (Offenbach), at the Town Hall, and the attendance naturally suffered; considering the conditions, however, it w r as good. The gale and rain outside provided an impromptu accompaniment to the music, while the temperature in the hall, particularly on the stage, was veering towards zero, and it was noticeable that the majority of the lady members of the Society retained their coats and wraps. Nevertheless, the vari-coloured dresses made a pretty stage picture, contrast being provided by the sombre garb of the male members. As for the concert itself, the conductor (Mr. T. F. Savage), the soloists, chorus, and orchestra acquitted themselves most creditably, and deserved the hearty applause which was in evidence throughout. “Tales of Hoffmann” was a worthy successor to the Society’s previous productions, “The Bohemian Girl” and “Maritana,” a similar high standard being achieved. In the Philharmonic Society, the people of Greymouth have a combined orchestra and choir, and each section is full of merit. The performance last evening, despite the adverse conditions, proved thoroughly enjoyable, and few opportunities were lost in the way of bringing out the beauties of Offenbach s music. If fault could be found, it was in the enunciation. There were some exceptions, but generally, it was difficult to distinguish the words, and, had programmes not been available, or previous knowledge held of the opera, most of the audience would have been at a loss to know what it was all about. The concert opened with the singing of Sir Edward Elgar’s setting of the National Anthem, with soloist (Mrs. C. Moss), chorus, and orchestra. The favourite overture, “Orpheus in the Underworld,” received pleasing treatment from the orchestra, the work of the soloists, Messrs E. Moss (clarinet), C. Moss (’cello), C. Leech (violin), and R. Henry (oboe) being very effective. The introduction, “Glou, Glou, Glou,” gave an indication of the capabilities of the chorus, which proved to be a. well-balanced combination, with ample volume, but at all times well under control. The prologue finds Hoffmann carousing in a Nuremburg wine-cellar, with students encouraging him to tell them tales of his love affairs. The good voice of Mr. A. Airns was used effectively in Lindorf’s song, “In the Part of an Amorous Lover.” The male chorus had an opportunity in “Drig, Drig, Drig,” with Mr. I. Nelson and Mr. S. Nicholson as soloists, and made the most of the rousing finale, “Come, Let’s Have Some Punch.” Hoffmann’s song, “The Legend of Kleinzack,” was sung by Mr. Nicholson, whose voice is pleasing, but is not of the robust variety. The first act was introduced by the orchestra with an intermezzo, and it may here be said that the Society lacks little in the way of instrumentalists, their work being of high quality. The chorus, “No Equal Ever Can Be,” was followed by the scena, “’Tis I, Coppelius,” with Mr. I. Nelson as Coppelius, and Mr. J. Hadland as Hoffmann. “The Doll’s Song,” sung by Miss I. Kitchingham, as Olympia, the object of Hoffmann’s affection, further increased the popularity of the singer with Greymouth music-lovers, and she had to respond to an unmistakeable encore. Miss Kitchingham gave a splendid rendition of a far from easy song, and her singing in all her numbers was much above the average amateur standard. The rousing chorus, “Let Us Go,” was followed by the romance and scena, “Olympia, Dearest Child,” with Mrs. J. Saunders as Olympia, Mr. H. Bringezu as Coppelius, and Mr, J. Hadland as Hoffmann. The tuneful finale, “Gently Swaying,” by orchestra and chorus, concluded the first act.

The second opened with the wellknown “Barcarolle,” sung by Miss N. Tennent (Giulietta) and Mr. Bringezu (Nicklaus), with > chorus. The voices of the soloists blended beautifully, and the number, one of the mbst popular of the evening, met with an inevitable encore. Mr. J. Hadland’s fine tenor was heard in the recitative and drinking song, “When Love is Tender and Sweet,” and he gave an effortless rendition. Another number which found much favour was the aria, “As Jewels Divine,” sung by Mr. Bringezu as Dapertutto, and its repetition was demanded. Mrs. Saunders and Messrs Hadland and Bringezu combined effectively in the scena, “Enchantress,” while Mrs. Saunders and Mr. Hadland also sang attractively the duet “Foolish Boy.” Very enjoyable was the singing of the trio, “With Love, alas, My Heart is Beating,” by Miss Kitchingham, Mr. Hadland, and Mr. Bringezu, assisted by the chorus. The beautiful “Barcarolle” melody was heard again in the finale, “Listen All to Me,” the solo being taken by Miss Tennent. The third act opened with the romance, “Thou art Flown,” expressively and feelingly sung by Mrs. C. Moss, as Antonia, the ill-fated love of Hoffmann. Mrs. Moss had to respond to an encore. Her voice was also used pleasingly in the scena, “To Sing No More,” in which she was accompanied by Mr. Hadland. Miss Kitchingham, as Antonia, and Mr, Aims, as Miracle, made a distinct success of the finale, “You’ve Pledged Your Word,” and effective assistance was given by the chorus. The intermezzo by the orchestra again introduced the lovely strains of the “Barcarolle.” The epilogue finds Hoffman back in his wine-cellar, done with women, and solacing himself with wine and song. The recitative, “The Story of My Adventure Now is Done,” was sung by Mr. Hadland, and the chorus, “And Now for the Punch,” received adequate treatment. Mrs. E. L. Kehoe, L.A.8., at the piano, played with her usual artistry, while Mr. C. Leech did good work as leader of the orchestra. Much depends upon the conductor, and Mr. Savage was not found wanting. He had orchestra and vocalists under complete control, and was always “at home” with the baton. Mr. Savage is obviously an enthusiast where the Society is concerned, and to him is due a great deal of the success achieved. Deputising for the Mayor, who was unable to attend, Mr. F. A. Kitchingham said during the interval that he had intended to thank the audience for their attendance and patronage of the Society, hut it was not so much the audience as the members of the Society who were deserving of thanks, for the wonderful performance they were giving. The Society had been in existence for about fifteen or eighteen months, and during that time three productions had been given. The Society was deserving of every encouragement and praise for enabling Greymouth audiences to hear good music.

The Society maintained its numerical strength, but more performers, particularly male voices, would be welcomed. If anyone had a voice, or thought he had one, Mr. Savage would be pleased to put him through his paces. That night was very wild and boisterous, and one could not expect people to turn out. It was a well-known fact that there was action and reaction between performers and audience, and the performers could not be expected to give of their best to partlyfilled seats. Probably, a great many of those present were there on honorary members’ tickets, which led him to say that the Society wanted to more than double its honorary list. At present there were about 45 honorary members, but at least 100 were required. Every member present that evening would say that the Society deserved good luck. Societies could not carry on without finance. The performers attended to the artistic side, and it was up to the public of Greymouth to see to the financial side. Mr. Kitchingham referred to the imminent departure for Christchurch of Mr. Bringezu, who had taken a prominent part in the Society’s productions, and whose w'ork was a pleasure to listen to. All they could do was to hope that he would link up with some similar Society in Christchurch, and that he would not allow his abilities to lie dormant. Mr. Kitchingham, in conclusion, thanked the audience on behalf of the next production, to be given about the end of October, will be Coleridge-Taylor’s “Hiawatha.”