THEATRICAL NOTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 12 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES

/ COMING PRODUCTIONS THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL His Majesty's Thsatre February 5, 6 and B.—Spivakovsky-Kurtz trio, February.—-Gilbert (ind Sullivan Company, » New Moon " Auditions So pronounced has boon tho interest in the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society's announcement that its next production will bo tho spectacular romantic musical comedy, " New Moon," that numerous applications for inclusion iu tho chorus have already been obtained. It has been found necessary to hold auditions at a much earlier date than usual, and the first of theso will take place at tho society's rehearsal rooms on Thursday. Offer to Mr. Roland Foster Advice lias boon received by Mr. Roland Foster, of the New South Wales State Conservatorium, that a wellknown London firm has made a satisfactory offer for tho English rights of bis recently-published book, " Vocal Success and How to Achieve It." Mr. Foster, who is visiting New Zealand under engagement to the Broadcasting Board, is at present in tho South Island, but intonds to return to Auckland about tho end of tho month, prior to his departure for Sydney. Standard of Modern Acting " One often hears a lament to the effect that there are no great actors to-day," writes an English critic. " Too often the word 'greatness,' applied to acting, seems to imply tho rhetorical, flamboyant and ranting methods that thrilled a bygone age as much as they would irritate and bore a modern audience. I have no sympathy with the lamenters, for tho standard of acting to-day is higher than it has ever been. Perhaps there may not be as many Tritons, but the gonoral excellence is far in advance of the days when a cast would contain ono great name and a supporting crowd of indifferent ones." Auckland Composer's Work An orchestral work by a local composer, Mr. Temple Beven, will be broadcast from IYA at 9.45 p.m. on January 27. Tho composition, a Chinese rhapsody, scored- for wood-wind, two horns, harp and strings, is founded on several Chinese airs, including "The Song of the Wuhu Umbrella Mender." Chinese music in its natural guise makes little appeal to Western ears, mainly on account of its primitive harmonic treatment, combined with a prodigal use of percussion and gongs. Nevertheless, the actual airs are of extraordinary beauty, and Mr. Temple Beven's work is an attempt to reveal the beauty of the Chinese "folksong," when translated into terms of modern orchestral idiom. Gilbert and Sullivan Company The Gilbert and Sullivan company at present playing to full houses in Aus i tralia will commence its tour of New Zealand at Auckland about the middle of February. This company has broken all records and is in great demand, applications coming from the cities and towns for return seasons. But, as New Zealand's turn is due, tho WilliamsonTait management is drawing the Australian tour to a close. Tho full library of Gilbert and Sullivan masterpieces will be drawn on and an excellent company will be crossing tbo Tasman. There will be short runs and quick changes, to allow tho management to present all the brilliant samples of wit and music. With full chcrus to assist tbo principals, tho production of Gilbert and Sullivan in the best Williamson manner is assured.

The Genuine Hurdy-gurdy The barrel organ or the piano organ or the hand organ, as so many have called this perambulating instrument o{ the avenues and highways, is not a hurdy-gurdy! Major Benton Fletcher, of London, has unearthed an old specimen of a real hurdy-gurdy.- It is very ancient, but its modern form dates from the eighteenth century. In France it was known as the veillo and in Italy as the lira tcdesco. It had at ono time some serious consideration as a musical instrument, and sonatas and duos were written for it. The instrument is shaped like a viol, the great distinguishing difference being a handle at the bottom, which revolves a wooden wheel covered with resin, which sets into vibration the strings needed. Ono, two or more of these strings are known as drones. That is, they are like the pipes in the bagpipe which moan out the samo pitch throughout the composition. The melody is played on a keyboard running laterally with the fingerboard of the instrument. Its origins havo been traced to the ninth century, and in medieval Latin it was called an " organistrum." At time the instrument was so large that its operation required two players—ono to turn the haudlo and the other to manage the strings.