ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 15 June 1927, Page 5

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

first concert of season. a STRIKING SUCCESS. Remarkable indeed- lias been the progress and development of the Orchestral Society since its re-formation a couple of years ago. Before that time its numbers and capacity were very limited and. its very existence a problem. Since then it has gone from one success to another, until it has achieved a position which has been favourably remarked upon by visitors of experience from many parts who have been in the town and heard its performances. The programme submitted to a large audiejice in the Opera House was in many ways quite the best the society' has tackled. That the members of the orchestra came through with distinct- credit to themselves and their capable conductor is a tribute to their industry and enthusiasm as to his careful training. The outstanding number on the pro-o-ramme was the great Liszt selection, “Hungarian Rhapsody,” for piano and orchestra. 'Phis is the first occasion on which a work of this high standard has been attempted bv a local orchestra. It abounds in difficult and attractive movements. The soloist (Mrs. Anderson) and- the orchestra are entitled to much commendatio-n for their very good performance. Airs. Anderson was in capital form, and showed by her interpretation of the many fine sections- allotted to the piano that she is an accomplished artist, combining brilliant execution with a correct realisation of the ideas of the composer. In the beautiful opening cadenza, as in the wonderful and forceful middle movement, the artiste was equally good; She showed nice nowers of expression, and obtained a fine ringing tone from her instrument, with excellent and telling contrasts that were very effective. In the movement- where she was accompanied by the' full orchestra she was at- her best, the succession of fine chords, with the brilliant section following being brought out very well indeed. The orchestra played well the pretty light movements with which the work opens though it showed at times ■ a slight uncertainty in attack. The cellos and basses had a nice movement in the opening, arid the contrast of horns and "wood wind produced a very fine effect. This was repeated later before the allegro -and the fine full orchestral effects,, which resolved into a broad adagio, in another sharp contrast. The delicate staccato accompaniment was nicely taken, and provided a: pretty setting for the brilliant piano work. Altogether the number was most interesting and attractive. The opening number, “Pique Dame,” is full of charming effects, opening with a pretty delicate movement for the: strings, and working up to an effective finale for full orchestra.. In this attack and release were exceedingly well marked. “Les Millions d’Arlequin,” taken from a ballet suite -by Drigo, opens with a pretty movement- for cellos, and was very attractive. The full string section was then introduced to imitate the mandolin, the effect being very good. Then was one of - the prettiest movements of all, the muted strings and soft- wood wind accompanying the solo violin and gradually diminishing to the daintiest tone.

The “Grasshoppers’ Danre” was another number requiring very delicate playing to illustrate a clever orchestral effect, in imitation of the little insects. The tone was seemed, and the result was a realisation of the ideas of the composer. The. contrasts ol strings and wood, wind were- effectively marked, and the introduction of the zyloplione ;sVoduced a pretty tone into the selection. Two of the best numbers on the programme were the “Carnival” suite (Ring) and the “Slavonic Rhapsody” (Friedmann). The latter, indeed, from an orchestral point of view, showed the players at their best. They played with a fine abandon, and all sections were good. The opening movement •for strings, wood and horns was excellent, while the cadenzas for clarinets were most attractive. The concluding number whs a series of selections from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.” The introduction of the old familiar airs was very enjoyable, and gave the orchestra much scope,' the solos for bassoon, oboe, flute and cornet being very fine. The orchestra achieved a. very' creditable performance of a list of

numbers that would tax any body of players, and that it came through so well is a distinct tribute to the instrumentalists and to their conductor, Mr H. C. A. Fox, who controlled them well and got from them their best work.

Miss E. Rodgers was accompaniste. She had a heavy task, and did it very well. i , The vocal, soloist was Miv Hubert Carter, the well-known operatic tenor, who has recently returned after a successful tour in the Old Country. His excellent enunciation, remarkable voice and breath control, and Ills dramatic force!illness were -outstanding features of his performance. His numbers were well chosen. He opened with the beautiful “Song Priez-e” from Le Cid (Massenet), the dramatic recitative leading into the lovely melody ‘‘O So-u----verain, 0 Juge, ’O’ Pere.” In it he was fine, the dramatic effects being well conceived and capably executed, tn response to decided recalls, lie added a remarkably forceful and effective song from “Rigoletto,” and this was followed bv the lovely “Spirit Flower.” which was a triumph of delicate artistic singing. His second number was a series of Old English melodies, which showed the artist in a sharply contrasted style of composition. All three were- excellent especially “The Pretty Creature,” and so popular that an encore was demanded. The singer complied by singing a wonderful recitative from “The Desert,” the favourite, “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” and a lovely negro melody fo k song. And still the audience would fain had had more. Mr Carter achieved an undoubted triumph. The other soloist was the bassoonist, Mr George Tnrvey, and in his solo ‘‘Lucy Long” he showed a remarkable power of execution, exploring the resources of the instrument throughout its wliole gamut of sound. The orchestral accompaniment was well played and subdued.

The accompaniste to the .singer was Miss D. Jolt, and she played with her wonted taste and ability.

ARTISTS ENTERTAINED

An interesting hour was spent aftei the concert at the Savoy Rooms, where tire society entertained the artists an -upper and a short toast l ist was honoured. The Mayor (Mr E. A. P'aceyj was in he chair. 1

The toast of ‘ ‘The King’ ’ having been honoured, Dr. MoGihie gave “The Orchestral Society,” stressing the wonderful part played by music in the life, of the individual and the communty, and urging a further and deeper appreciation of the best in music. He complimented the orchestra on its good work and emphasised its good fortune in being able to have as its conductor a musician of the calibre of Mr Fox, who was able, by his ability and tact, to secure the best results and to get the. players to appreciate the necessity of .sinking their own individuality and playing as one body, so as to secure a “balanced harmonious compound.’.’ In reply, Mr Fox said the. .society always tried to do its best for the .sake of the mib'.ie and themselves. He complimented members on their loyalty and hard work, adding that he appreciated their practising not only ini the band room, hut in private at home. He said they were pleased to feel they were showing progress and intended to. do even better in the future. In. conclusion, he thanked the people for their liberal support and patronage. “The Aitists” was given by the chairman, who complimented all the musical societies of the town, and commended them for always introducing talented and capable artists in their concerts. He .said he hoped the Borough Council' would perhaps be able to increase the subside to the band, a subside which had enabled the town, to retain, the good services of Mr Fox._ Mr Carter briefly replied, thanking all for their kindness and- appreciation, and hoped to come again to Hawei-a.

During: the evening songs were given hv Mr.? M. J. Good son, Messrs Carter and Frio Pacey.