CONCERT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1152, 13 May 1870, Page 2

CONCERT.

A StioßT time ago we had the pleasure of reporting the first concert of the Napier Musical Society, and we now give a brief account of the second of the season. .-_ We are able sincerely to say that though the first was a decided success, the second was " a still greater one. The performance commenced punctually, and we hope that the. Society will adhere to the excellent rule they have hitherto observed (one which is so often neglected by amateur societies), of commencing their performances at the advertised time. ' The opening overture " Don Giovanni," was fairly performed, but was rather unsteady at the commencement. It would, doubtless, have gone better had it been placed later in the programme, the performers evidently not being quite up to concert pitch (so to say) at the commencement of the evening. On the whole, however, it was a creditable performance, and one of which none of the band need feel ashamed. Then came the glee, '" Come o'er the Brook," which was nicely sung, the lights and shades in the composition being duly observed. We noticed here a great improvement in that respect on the performances given at the first concert, the vocalists having evidently become more accustomed to singing together, and being more under the control of their conductor. The piano duett that followed Was nicely played, and fully deserved the applause that was awarded to it. We hope to hear the lady and gentleman who played it, at the next concert. The . song " Good-bye, Sweetheart," was sweetly sung by a lady whom the Society may be proud to have among their number, and was, as it deserved, loudly encored. The next piece, a selec* tion from " Oberon," by the full band, was, in our opinion, one of the gems of the even* ing, being decidedly the most pleasing piece among the instrumental performances, and the players evidently entering into the spirit of the composition. "The Swallows," was sung by a lady and gentleman, who ;appeared for the first time as member 3of the new Society, and whom we were glad to hear again. It is needless for us to tell . those who know them so well, that wehave never heard the duett better sung. The "Gipsy chorus" finished the first part. The second part opened with the overture to Beethoven's "Men of Prometheus." This, we believe, is new to a Napier audience, and will certainly bear repetition, if played by the same performers. The glee, "Daughter of Error," which followed, was a treat we never expected, and was rapturously encored ; the sweet voice of the lady who sung the leading part doing full credit to the beautiful solo in the middle of the composition, and being well supported in other parts by the subdued voices of the chorus. The conductor may well feel proud of such a performance, and the performers may well feel proud of their conductor. The "Birthday Song" followed. The solo on the violoncello was beautifully given by the same gentleman who played at the last concert, and was encored. " Farewell," was most expressively sung by the lady who took the leading part in " Daughter of Error," and was encored. It is needless to say that the repetition was not called for without reason. Then followed a selection from •• Trovatore," arranged, we are informed, by one of the performers (first violin). This was steadily played, bufc showed, more clearly than any other piece, the only fault we felt disposed to find with the performance, and that is one which we suppose cannot be helped, namely, a want of bass in the band. The catch, "Poor Thomas Day," was very amusing, and the audience were apparently pleased with it. The performance concluded with " Heavens are telling," by the full strength of the Society. This was rather roughly done, but was effective, considering the small number of the chorus. On the whole we can say that the concert was one of the best ever given in Napier, and we hope that the Society may go on and prosper as it deserves. The Society is lucky in having such a good conductor, and to him must be mainly attributed their success. We missed the voices of more than one well-known musician on the platform, bufc we are informed, and hope, that their absence is only temporary.