THE KILTIES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, 5 February 1909, Page 2

THE KILTIES.

THE FINAL PERFORMANCES. The Kilties Band gave a matinee performance at the, Theatre yesterday afternoon. There was'a very fair attendance, and the programme presented was greatly enjoyed. Another large audience greeted the Canadian visitors for their fourth and final concert in Nelson at the Theatre Royal in the evening. Despite the intensely hot night and the consequent discomfort, they must have suffered (for we should say that the thick Highland costume worn by the bandsmen was anything but cool), the Band gave a fine programme, which, judging by the hearty applause, was thoroughly enjoyed by those present. The addition of reeds to a brass band makes a wonderful difference to the effect that can be obtained, and the reed section of the Kilties is particularly strong both in smartness "and ability. Without such a reliable cornet-wind lead, Mr Albert Cook could not ressay some of the operatic selections flkat now form perhaps the most popular, items on the Band's programmes. If any^selection were made of the numbers presented last evlui ing those chosen as perhaps the most, enjoyable would be "Al'bionV a bright ahd breezy collection of national airs, and the overture to "Carmen." Other items given were "Spring Song" (Mendelssohn), "William Teir overture (Rossini), "American Patrol" (Macmahon). "Miserere" from "II Trovatore," Adagio movement from the "Sonata, Pathetique," "Al Fresco" (Victor Hubert), and a merry selection "Hurrah for Harrigban." In the "Mißerere" the cornet solo was played by Mr Cook, and the trombone solo by Bandsman R. E. Clark. The Band have a strong trom ; bone trio in Messrs Clark, Dudley-Green and Holley, but in other sections, notably the tenor horns and euphoniums, there was a weakness apparent occasionallywhich militated against a full breadth of tone in the legato movements. There was also noticeable at times a lack of absolute . precision ' in the attack and in the staccato passages, but possibly the heat and discomfort were responsible in great measure for this. A distinguishing feature of the performance was ' the dancing of "The. Johnstone Troupe," whose reels, jigs, and hornpipes and sword dancing brought down the house, and were redemandcd on every occasion. The music for the dances was supplied by the Band and by Pipe Major Johnstone, who also played a pipe solo. The choir sang ".Comin' Thro' the Rye," and a humorous part song, but they are handicapped by the want of soloists and of male altos, the latter being an essential in a male? chorus of 20.