Mr Arundel Orchard.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7308, 30 May 1902, Page 2

Mr Arundel Orchard.

Ihe genuine success attending Mr Arundel Orchard's iir.-t concert in Palmerston North last evening must hare proved of a distinctly gratifying nature, especially since, despite the particularly classical nature of the performance, it was thoroughly appreciated by the large audience present. Throughout, the performance may be fairly classed as ihe most successful produced here irrespective of the drawback of want of rehearsal in some of ihe orchestral numbers.

The programme opened with SaintSacns, set of variations for two pianos, and the numerous difficulties, as well as beauties of the setting, were interpreted in a most finished and capable manner by Mies Mildred Bennett and Mr Orchard. The duet consisted of three sections, (1) formal or strict variations; (2) a weird funeral march; and (3) a ■well developed and interesting fugue. Tlie Beethoven tlieme at the same time was easily traceable throughout the sections. The performers showed a thorough conception of the masterly ideas of the composer, and their treatment of the piece met with the unqualified approval of all present. The admirable blending of the two instruments had a most harmonious effect, the. volume of tone being decidedly impressive. The item displayed " great vigor, combined with the lofly sense of the beautiful so transparent to the great master Beethoven. Both pianists showed finished technique in their excellent playing of the difficult variations, which the sympathetic expression displayed had a charming and pleasing result.

The next number, a Beethoven sonata for violin and piano, by Messrs M. Cohen and Orchard, was played exceptionally well, Mr Cohen's rendering of the remarkable sonata being particularly good and well meriting the applause at ihe conclusion of the piece. Mrs Harper then contributed Brahui's seldom heard and beautiful songs, which were very effectively sung by the sifted vocalist, whose voice, which is of'such an expressive an I delicate quality, at once captivated her appreciative "audience. Inparticular her singing of '"The Message" was both charming and artistic, and she was warmly applauded at the conclusion.

Mr Wesley Woolhouse contributed a flute solo, "Allegro de Concert," and, as usual with him, gave an interesting and brilliant interpretation of this difficult solo.

In the concluding number of the first portion of the programme, Mr Orchard appeared in the dual role of compeser and performer, his trio in P for violin, horn and piano, being played For the first time in nublic. It is safe to say that tho difficulties attending a nrst performance were successfully overcome in the performance. In both movements the composer exhibits considerable knowledgo of the possibilities of the solo instruments in question. Ihe graceful, lingering melody of the first movement and its interesting der< lopment, is in effective contrast to the bold, fugal style of the second movement, which is remarkable for its vigorous themes and brilliant conclusion. Xhere is no doubt the work will be heard again. The second part of tho programme opened with one of Schumann's variations for two pianos and nothing could exceed the graceful charm of tho music contained in this very fine work. lhat Mr Orchard and his pupil, Miss Bennett, acquitted themselves with distinction, goes without saying, and they received a well-merited round of applause at its close.

rfh i * SulllTan' s if of.Tennyson's verses, "Tears, Idle Tears,- and « 0 Swallow, Sallow,-1 Mrs Harper was orcn more successful than m her former efforts. Both songs were admirably suited to her voice particularly the latter. ' An item of exceptional interest was Horn and piano; each executant displaying considerable technique. The eveSnT aCD ™S °M °£ tLe besi °f tile The concert, concluded with a first P«f«mancc of a dignified and inspiring march, from Mr Orchard's pen, which vei maglnc , co ld b0 heard P to ' ™; diHon ? ? SG Un mOre faTorablo con-

The accompaniments during the erenplayed^ by xAIr Orchardings usual sympathetic and artistic style. He ■so be congratulated in V o S!e Lng in nunil ? I' a I onn& and promising Snr U °T° P!ayin6 tb«e is a disnuti rm- In the ™»t difficult and over fho ker" gwk Slle M" MUu^ fcho^V^nTn TCryfine Pl'anoS dll"«g H B?n 5 Wr° re-. "WKed by Messrs G ac -"wsaeii Piano pompnny.