THE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT.

Marlborough Express, Volume V, Issue 253, 15 October 1870, Page 4

THE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT.

We cannot better commence our comments on the eighth concert of the Philharmonic Society, which took place on the inst., than by noticing one marked improvement—there being very little, if any, reason to complain of flatness in the voices, either individually or collectively; whilst on previous occasions this defect has been most prominent. The choicer of music, as a whole, was good, and the lionises were the most difficult of any tfie Society has hitherto attempted; yet we have seen more attractive programmes, and partaking of less of the doleful than the one under notice. Auber’s brilliant overture to “ the Crown Diamonds,” very neatly executed as a pianoforte solo, opened the entertainment, followed by Stevens’ spirited chorus, “ From Oberon in fairy land,”- rendered with a crispness and strict attention to time which we haye never heard equalled

in Blenheim, nor excelled elsewhere. The addition of one or two new members was t very apparent in the increased volume of sound. A pretty little song by Wrighton, “As she sang among the flowers,” was sung very creditably by a young lady who only wants a little more distinctness of utterance to be one of the most agreeable soloists of the Society. King’s flue old duet, “ The Minute Gun at Sea,” by two of the best male voices on the platform, was next given, and in such an energetic style as to earn a well-merited encore. A chorus from Gluck’s opera of “ Armide ” succeeded, and was neatly and carefully rendered, as was also Spofforth’s “My dear mistress had a heart,” which latter lost none of its effect from the rather novel tact, for the Society, of the alto part being heard. Calcott’s trio, “ The May fly,” and Shields’ tiio, “Oh, happy fair,” in the second part, were both pleasingly sung, though a little unsteady in places. “ The soldier’s dream,” —Campbell’s words set to music—by Weiss, was the best solo of the night : a difficult song that even a professional might have feared; it was given in the most finished style, and sung both feelingly and truly throughout, but certainly was not appreciated as it ought to have been by the audience; for, when at its conclusion we anticipated thunders of applause, it came forth so mildly that . we could not but remember how dispiriting it must be to musical amateurs to have so unmusical an audience, whose appreciation of a comic song was greater than anything else. To resume : “ Bock me to sleep, mother,” a solo and chorus by O’Donnell, was sung very effectively; and a merry little duet of Glover’s, “ The Elfin Call,” between two ladies, formed the remaining items of the first part. Montgomery’s “Kathleen Mavourneen Waltz,” performed brilliantly on the pianoforte, opened the second part of the programme. A chorus by Atwood, “ Hark, the curfew’s solemn sound,” succeeded, and deserves high commendation for the manner of its execution; the allegro movement may have been a little uncertain at first, but concluded admirably. A solo, “ The old cottage clock,” by a voice that is always welcomed, received an encore ; the ah', though sweet, seemed rather dreamy, and was perhaps rendered a little too slow. “ The Mocking Bird,” as solo and chorus, succeeded ; the solo being vexy feelingly given by a lady whose plaintive sweet voice assisted earlier in “ The Elfin Callthe chorus soft and harmonious. “ Troika,” a song by one of the gentlemen so successful in “ The Minute Gun,” was justly encored, being very tastefully sung. The duet by two ladies, “Hymn of the Moravian Nuns,” which followed, was in our opinion the gern of the evening; the voices blended very agreeably, and the music seemed just adapted to call forth the best notes of each, and a hearty encore shewed the appreciation of the audience, who surely must have heard our complaint about bad taste with regard to “ The soldiei-’s dream.” We should not pass by this really beautiful duet without a compliment to the soprano, whose rich, clear voice was heard to such advantage, a late but valuable addition to the Society. One of our friends whispers that a slight nervousness was apparent, to which we reply that we did not notice it, but if it were so, it was quite unnecessaiy. “ Hark, Apollo strikes the lyre,” was rendered in a far superior manner to the last occasion when it was sung—about eighteen months ago—light and shade being well brought out, “ The Fountain,” by Alexander', a pleasing air with a rippling accompaniment, vexy truly and tastefully sung by a young lady whose powerful voice we heard with good effect throughout the choruses. Air amusing catch of Harrington’s, which we have heard better, though not more laughably executed, was encoi’ed; and the National Anthem, as a part song with chorus, concluded tlxe concert, with which the Society has §ood reason to be well satisfied, both on the score of its own improvement, the brilliant attendance, and the gratification derived by the public.

A Lucky Cabby. —Under the above heading, the.,Wanganui Chronicle says:—“We understand Mr Cooler, solicitor, of this town, has communicated with his agents in England, relative to the claim of Mr William Francis Drake, of Wanganui, to the Drake estates, at Nutwell Court, Devon ; Sir Thomas Trayton Fuller Elliot Drake, Bart., having died in the month of June last. The deceased Baronet was uncle to the present claimant, who until lately was a cabman at the Thames diggings.” We have good authority for stating that the Wiliam Francis Drake above referred to left Picton for the Thames gold-fields about two years ago. He was for some years in the employ of Mr T. Williams, brewer, of this town, and his family still reside here. We hope he will succeed in establishing his claim.— Press.