THEATRE ROYAL.

NZ Truth, Issue 180, 28 November 1908, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

The Kilties' Band.

The brief four-nights' season of the Camous /Canadian ' Band",' -"The Kilties," was opened at the Theatre Royal last night m the presence of an overflowing and intensely enthusiastic audience. Tne band, which is a fpali military one, is composed of four cornets, three trombones, three French horns, three double B basses, two baritones, one oboe, three saxaphones, eight B flat clarinets, two £! clarinets, one bassoon, flute , and piccolo, and 'drums. Each performer is a master of his instrument m every sense of the word, and Mr A. Cook is a conductor whose pervading ability and personality leaves its impress upon each executant. , Many of the effects secured at last night's concert would, of course, be practically unattainable on a brass band, and the exquisite' tone quality of the reeds gave a delightful (lightness and brilliancy m many of the more rapidly movicy selections. Attack, expression, technique, subtle phrasing, correct balance of , tone, and impressive cantabile playing have ali been long since surmounted b,y the Kilties, with the result that a musical repast o) no ' ordinary nature is provided for the delectation of concert-goers. With brass and reed effects the "Kilties" fender a specialty arranged medley of Scottish airs. Soon the effect dies slowly away as though the band was passing into tire distance. Here a voice strikes m, singing "Annie Laurie." Soon two or three more take itiuu, then a dozen, until the historical effect of Bannockburn is realised. Presently it rounds into a bcauliilul harmony, and the band accompaniment adds a very stirring realism .In "Les Dieux en Exit" (BoschrP,ares) , the band gave a display of its highest qualities, the harmonies • b€ing skilfully brought out, whilst the depth of ton?,, resembling a large pipe organ, was most pealing to an audience which was musically critical. The number, "Uems of Sco+land" caused, a display of much enthusiasm irom the Scottish mem'oers of the audience, and even the Lowlander, the Englishman and the colonial was 1 stirred to visible effects "by the excellent rendition of the band m this mostpLeasing and effective piece. The second part of the programme was also, highly artistically rendered and altogether the audience received a musical treat which will 'be long remembered.

The Clan Johnstone troupe of dancers were firm favorites, and their dances were vigorously applauded. The Scotch reel, sailor's hornpipe, and Irish jig were, excellent examples of terpischorcan skill, whilst Pipe Major Albert Johnstone was encored for his bagpipe solo. A matinee will be held tbis afternoon, and there will be a change of programme to-aiight, and again on Monuay and Tuesday.