A CHINESE CONCERT.

Marlborough Press, Volume XXVI, Issue 1574, 4 March 1886, Page 3

A CHINESE CONCERT.

The Chinese at Cromwell gave a performance last Saturday (says the Cromwell Argus) which will bring in a substantial addition to the local Athenseum. Of the audience fully 150 were Chinese, who appeared to.have turned up from all parts of the district. Before the concert opened, a Chinese band gave some music in the front of the hall. To European ears the performance was nothing more than ahorse discordant noise, in which a pair of huge clashing cymbals and a - big gong took prominence. A drum without res mauce and a squeaky instrument of the bagpipe order completed the band. The performers played with commendable vigour, and to the evident gratification of the big crowd of Mongolians who surrounded them. The concert itself was principally conducted by the Chinese . themselves, the only European element beiDg some selections by the Brass Band and some well rendered songs by Messrs Thomas McNulty aud J. Mullins. Of the Chinamen’s efforts it can only be said they . were beyond tbe range of criticism; but judging from tbe self satisfied aspect of both performers and audience, the whole business was to them highly pleasing. One or to peculiar features are however, worthy of noting. There was not the slightest demonstration on the part of the

Chinese, either - of approval or disapproval, although they, seemed pleased at the applause from the other section of the audience. The vocalists did not seem to euvoke any sympathy in the breasts of their countrymen, although' at times there appeared to be vigorus "appeals for. the enlistment of that quality. The instrumentalists, too, went about their work in automatic fashion. It was amusing to notice the earnestness with which each devoted himself to his particular instrument the eye never being lifted from beginning to end of the piece—and some of the items were, if not exactly “ linked -sweetness,” at least long drawn out.” "While the whole was a decided novelty to Europeans to the-sons of the Flowery Land no doubt it was highly enjoyable, and. has afforded food for infinite “ palaveT ” ever since.