LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 11, Issue 818, 15 January 1867, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Tho Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents. - " Sie,t— Diogenes, who was a very droll fellow, lived in a tub, and occasionally indulged himself by strolling oufc in the sunshine to look about- him, so, like hini, I '

quitted my tub on the plains, and strolled iiitb Napier to enjoy a little sunshine and rn^ke holiday. The programme of a concept '. attracted my attention, teeming as it did with a host of the most illustrious composers — Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Weber, Beethoven, Verdi, Rossini, Bishop, Calcott, and a few small fry.

.; I strolled into the hall at the appointed time, and after shaking hands with everyone and exchanging a familiar nod with the talented conductor, I managed to scramble into a comfortable corner. I write to you from my tub, for the purpose of making a few observations on some of .the pieces performed. The opening of the concert, Haydn's "Surprise Symphony," was everything that could be desired from such a limited orchestra, and was most deservedly applauded; the flute accompaniment wanting only more vigour. The chorus from the Messiah, " And the Glory of the Lord," were . a great disappointment ; the bass, in a great crowd, took the lead, and appeared to have all the fun to themselves, the trebles made a good second, the tenors, a bad third, and the alto — alas ! not being seen or heard at all, possibly may have fainted. This is not very flattering, but such music as this was worthy of better treatment. The "Gloria in Excelsis," Mozart's 12th Mass, was somewhat better performed, though far from being steady. I am inclined to think that such high-class music should never be attempted in public, Unless the singers are well acquainted with their parts, as well as having a fair knowledge of music. I might here observe that the front ranks in the trebles made excellent show. The pianoforte duets in the selection from the " Huguenots," and the overture to the "Barber of Seville," were at once* a great treat and a triumph, and such as would have been highly appreciated in the first musical circles. The quartette and chorus, "Where art thou, beam of light?" wanted what is seldom accorded to compositions of this class, light and shade ; as a quartette only, it would have been much better received. In the duet from "II Trovatore," very little consideration was given as to whether the voices blended or not ; anything more discordant and trying to the nerves could not be conceived; the gentleman appeared greatly excited, hitting out right and left, just as if the crochets and quavers we're so many hot nuts. I now come to something more pleasing, that beautiful and charming composition, "My Mother bids me bind my hair." This was most feelingly and artistically rendered, and was listened to with breathless attention, and, as it so highly deserved, was most rapturously encored. This solo, with the pianoforte duets, and "Know'st thou the land," is a startling proof that music of a light character is more appreciated than the heavy,, massive choTuses and glees that so often pall and weary an audience. The only song calling for any further remark is "Away, away to the mountain's brow," a somewhat modern composition. This was well and carefully sung; the gentleman's rich, deep, sepul-chral-toned voice telling with vigorous and solemn effect in the melancholoso and doloroso movements. . I shall hope to be able to leave my tub again next week, as I perceive that there is another concert coming off, so, probably I may write to you again. I am, Sir, Yours, &c, Mus. From my tub on the Plains, January 6, 1867.