MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7868, 2 August 1911, Page 4

MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA

CONCERT AND PECITAX. Tlio weeks of diligent practice on the part of tho municipal orchestra, in preparation for last night's concert, had its reward. There was a large audience present, and tho performers' efforts were received in a way that showed everyone had spent the evening most enjoyably. That tho orchestra has amply justified its existence need not be questioned. Perceptible improvement is evident with each successive concert, .until now the performers have reached a standard of efficiency that is certainly flattering to their painstaking conductor. It is pleasing to see that tho citizens are awakening to a sons© of the importance of having such an organisation in their midst. Prom the patronage extended last night it is safe to assume that the orchestra is making duo impression on the community after initial steps that were not without their difficulties. v Probably tho gem of the evening was , tho "Scenes Hongrolse" (Massenet): It comprised three movements, “Entree on forme do Panso," “Intermedo," and "Cortege*, benediction, nuplialc et sortie d'oglise." The charming melodies were finely brought out. Particularly in the third movement did the orchestra rise to a high . level, instruments being in excellent harmony, and tho audience was deeply stirred by the brilliant finale. “Merry Wives of Windsor" (Nicolai), always a popular selection, found much favourBeethoven was represented by Andante con mo to, from the Fifth Symphony, and Handel by tho Seventh Concerto for organ, with orchestral accompaniment. In both of these pieces tho orchestra did really artistic work. In lighter vein, and equally acceptable, was the Pornroschen valse (Tschaikowski). Mr Maughan Barnett's org-.n solos were (in addition to the Handel concerto) “Adoratio et vox angelica" (Pubois), and “Pornroschen' (Benclcl), the organist declining an encore for the latter. Mr Herbert Bloy (leader of the orchestra) took the baton during the Handel concerto, and Mr Barnett conducted tho orchestra in all its other performances. The concert was an encouraging success, and the orchestra's next appearance on August 29th will be looked forward to with pleasure.