THE GARRISON BAND'S CONCERT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 166, 15 July 1903, Page 4

THE GARRISON BAND'S CONCERT.

This fourth concert; of the honorary members' series instituted by the Garrison Band gave pleasure to an audience of considerable proportions in j Ewart's Hall last night. It was in mauy respects the bust of tho series. It evidenced the attainment of a higher art standard, and a greater refinement of interpretation. la the rendition of Balfe's " Satanella," the Canterbury Jubilee contest selection, the Band arrived at perhaps the furthest point it has yet reached. The performance was very satisfying to the musical ear, being marked with thorough correctness of conception and effectiveness of execution. Tone and light and shade were well studied, and the general effect was highly artistic. The combination was better than, if anything, the individual execution, which here and there betrayed some lack of coherency. On the whole the performance was characterised by a pleaaing degree of grace and brilliancy. "Faust." was another good number, Gounod's fine themes receiving creditable treatment. In this rendition the Band gave further proof that It is cultivating delicacy of sentiment and expressiveness. If anything may be suggested, it is more roundness and sweetness of tone and at the same time more precise notation on the part of individual instrumentalists. ' A popular item was " The Runaway Girl," which was rendered with operatic vim, and, technically, with praiseworthy facility of execution. The encore could net be denied, and the final passage " Oh, Listen to the Band," had to be repeated. The crescendo and diminuendo effects of "The Turkish Patrol" were realistically treated. Bandsman H. Holdaway, who rendered the cornet solo " Men of Hai-lech," was not so successful as on previous occasions, his playing being conscientious, but somewhat strained. Bandsman Wilkins won applause with the euphonium solo '•• Come into the Garden, Maud," though his tone was not as mellifluous as usual. Bandsman W. Holdaway contributed the Bass Eb solo " Down in the Deep," filling his instrument to moro purpose in the second verse than in the fir3t. The vocalists were Mr F. Robinson, who sang " A Thousand Leagues under the Sea"; Miss Agnes Healy, who was recalled after rendering "The Dear Homeland"; and Miss Roie Mullen, who won favor : with the coon song, given in costume, •'Lay yer Hand upon ma Heart." This little lady had to reappear; and later on she gracefully executed " The Sailor's Hornpipe," which also had to be repeated. The pianoforte accompanists were Miss Rose, Mrs R. Logan, Mrs H. Fraser, and Miss El beck. Bandmaster Rose oapably wielded tho baton.

Addressing the audience, Band* master Rose announced that this concert was the last of the series of concerts this season, and intimated that tho Band would enter upon another series. He thanked the honorary members for their patronage and appreciation of the Band's efforts, and trusted that it would receive a still greater increase of support next season. The present number of honorary members was one hundred, and he hoped this would go on increasing. Bandmaster Rose also acknowledged the assistance given to the Band by the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed to the programmes, and added a word of thanks to the press.