CONCERT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1137, 22 March 1870, Page 2

CONCERT.

In our last issue we were able only to announce that the Musical Society's first concert had taken place, the lateness of the hour preventing our giving a more extended notice of the performance. We resume our report with much pleasure, and congratulate the Society on the success of its first effort. The general effect was much improved by the platform erected outside the permanent stage, although we fancied that the drop-scene was hardly sufficient to prevent the space behind it absorbing the sound. In fact, the Hall, as it is at present, is not adapted for musical performances, and it never will be until it is lined throughout. Some effort should be made, either by public subscription, or otherwise, to have this done as soon as possible ; and we doubt not that both our musical and dramatic friends would only be too glad to give every assistance in their power towards effecting this object. It is a pity this fine Hall, well adapted as it is architecturally for public purposes, should remain in its present unfinished state, when the comparatively trifling cost of lining would make it one of the best buildings in the colony for public entertainments, The Odd Pel-' lows have shewn considerable energy and public spirit in erecting it; and we think they should, if necessary, be assisted to complete it. We have pressed this point at some length, because the success of any Society, musical or dramatic, depends a

(good deal|upon the suitableness of the building in^^rhich performances are given. , Befo^Fproceeding to notice the program(op"of the concert, we must be allowed to express our satisfaction at seeing so general a re-union of the hitherto discor,,dant,musiaal r^iNapier^?nand= elenientßr.Qf ; > we trust that the harmony will remain undisturbed, for we cannot Jrealiy* riffowl-W l>e without;>a;mußical society in, our quiet uninteresting little, tjown. ,;, ,TJie members will excuse us giving them "this advice—quite a' musical moftdTin its "way— be always in' tune with eacji /other; QaAjheSg together ! We will now take up the programme, and review,. its .performance, in., a friendly but critical Spirit, not denying praise oV sparing, unfavorable remarks where deserved. Rossini's popular overture— «" ll Barbiere di Seviglia"— opened/ the .coritfert; and the band rendered this not very easy composition with considerable spirit and effect. The pianos and fortes were well marked throughout. There was an occasional want of unanimity among the performers, but not so perceptible as to spoil the general result. Practice will soon remedy this defect. •;.,: .. ,;.... •'; /; . ' ' i)a \. Danby's old glee, "Awake, iEolian Lyre," appropriately selected for the first chorus -'of the new society, was taken too slowly to our mind, and missed the effect which a little spirit would have given \%, The song " Kock me to sleep, mother," with quartette, chorus, was prettily done,, and took well ; and we were glad to .find that nigger melodies can , be very pleasing without the usual accompaniment ot burnt cork and a curly black wig. An instrumental duett foJlowed-^-selec-tions from "Martha," for violin and piano, which was carefully done. We recognised several of the best, airs in the. opera, which the violinist rendered with considerable taste. ' ' . » The "Gipsy Gounfcess," a pretty Vocal duett, was taken too slowly, and lacked spirit. With more energy this' would have been one of the most pleasing pieces in the programme. The lady's voice, a powerful soprano, of which we venture to predict great things, came but well; the effect was, however, lost, from the lagging in time already spoken of. The "Fisherman's Daughter," a pleasing song of Lover's, was. sung with feeding"; a little pardonable tremulousness on the part of the singer, who has not appeared before, rather improving the effect than otherwise. The " Ahgelus " (ivfaritana), perhaps the best work of pur English composer, Wallace, closed the first part of the concert. The band took . this well together, sustaining the fine religious choral: effect all through. ' • The overture to "II JJbzze di Figaro " opened the second part, and we heartily congratulate the band on the decided success of its performance. This is v difficult overture, and requires the most rapid manipulation. As we remarked about a week ago, this was a most ambitious attempt, on the part of the orchestra. They did their work well ; no lagging, and no indecision. Every performer appeared animated with, the spirit of the composer, and this was the real secret of the success; with which his. ideas were rendered. This must be kept as a stock piece, and we shall be happy to hear it again. "May Day," a sprightly glee, was encored, which sufficiently shews how it was done and appreciated. -' . . - The "Cornet Duett," quite a new feature, took with the audience, who demanded a repetition. The song " Ring the Bell, Watchman," was also called for again, and appeared to please. (Mem. : — How is it that the audience is so very appreciative in the second part ? Has the "interval" anything to do with it?) -.■-.-..: "Vanne al mio bene," (violoncello and piano) was, to our way of thinking, one of the best things in the programme. The violincellist played with great care and taste, and shewed considerable power over the instrument. No instrument so well expresses feeling; and the performer brought it out. Some of his notes were almost emotional in richness and depth. We were glad to see that the audience felt the power of music so much as to. call for a repetition. A very pleasing selection of airs from "Trovatore," by the full band, followed, and was much liked. This piece was : the work, we are informed, Of one of the orchestra (first violin)j who adapted the music for the band from a pianoforte score. The "Angelus," from Maritana, is also arranged by this gentleman, who shows quite a talent for the task, which is a kind of second-hand composition, requiring no slight knowledge of the laws of harmony. The society is much indebted to him for his efforts. The concert closed with the " Gloria," in Mozart's 12th Mass— full chorus; and orchestral accompaniment. This was perhaps the grandest part of the performance, the sopranos coming out with groat force, and filling the Hall. There was an indecision at starting, owing to the instrumentalists being more prompt than the vocalists in taking their time from the baton. This was, however, only for a few bars, and the performers soon "got well away together." In all the choruses, the bass and tenor parts were weak ; and we regret that an unfortunate accident deprived the society of the assistance of a well-known arid reliable bass voice, which we hope to hear again at the next concert. On former occasions male voices have usually predominated. Where are they gone ? We cannot close this notice without congratulating the society on having obtained the valuable assistance of the lady who presided so' ably at the piano ; to whom they are much indebted for the success of their first concert. v The subscribers and public generally, as well as the performers,, have to thank the secretary for the efficiency of all his arrangements, the : details i of- which; in no slight degree affect the success, of any performance. . •'•..'. ''.-.'