DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11923, 22 December 1900, Page 8

DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

The fourth concert of the Dunedin Orchestral Society (thirteenth season) took place in the Agricultural Hall last evening, and attracted the customary large audience. It was to be noticed that the printed list of the performers was surrounded by a black border, and tile name of one of the first violinists—namely, Miss Slight—was underlined. This prominence was due to the regrettable fact that the young lady died about a month ago. Mi?s Slight has been a member of the society for a number of years. She joined its ranks when quite young. SJic was an excellent player, and took a lively interest in the society's work, and her early demise in a cause for sincere sor- | row. The programme presented last evening I was one of the best given by the society for some considerable time. Unfortunately, however, owing to the proximity of the holidays, no less than eight of th"l members were absent, and these included players that could with difficulty be spared. Iheir absence did not affect the playing in any noticeable degree, except, perhaps, in the symphony. Even in this, there was ample volume, and what few defects in its rendering that were observable were due, one would think, to insufficient re- i hcarsal than anything else. It is now about eight years since any of the movements in Beethoven's No. 1 Symphony (op. 36) was I played, and after hearing the lovely larghetto j movement last evening, one might very well wonder it has been allowed to remain untouched for so lengthy a period. Apart from the fact, that to fully appreciate the beauties j of a symphony—the highest of all musical | forms, as the annotation on the programme j correctly points out—it is necessary to be a i little familiar with it. Except to the highly- j trained ear " the beautiful melodies, the rich | harmonies, the warmth of tone-colour," to I a»ain quote from the annotation, do not re- i veal themselves at a first hearing. The society would do well, therefore, to repeat the symphony, if not at the succeeding concert, at any rate after a brief interval, i'or instance, the larghetto movement which was played last evening might very well be included in the next concert's programme. Singularly beautiful music characterises the whole movement. A peculiar note of sadness breathes through it—-Hint suggestion of mournfulness and despondent grief which is such a noticeable fen- ■ ture f i the works of 'this great composer—but it is suffused with rich harmonies, delicate instrumentation, and with the striking individuality of the master himself. As already indicated, its performance was not perfect. An unsteadiness in attack and occasional lapses in the matter of time, especially amongst the strings, made Uiomeelvea apparent; but speaking generally, the rendering of the movement was distinctly praiseworthy. . Mr Coombs has set a high standard in. the past performances of his players, and, of course, they must expect to be judged by this. Jf they do not always come up to the mark, perhaps, it is not fair to adversely criticise them without making due allowance for any disabilities that may piesent themselves. The fact that the near approach of the holidays has probably interfered with regular practice roust bo accepted as a valid excuse for any laches that were noticeable on this occasion. One of the brightest pieces, and probably the bent-plnycd, was the " Lombardi' selection. lleplete with light and tuneful airs, and written in Verdi's happiest style, it afforded those present last evening a full measure of enjoyment. It was played with admirable effect, the cornet solo passages, and the solo part for the other instruments, were all excellently rendered. The selection " Dinorah " (Meyerbeer) and the overture to •' Anacreon " (Cherubini) are both long selections, and on the whole tiie orchestra gave a. very satisfactory performance of them. Excellent time and tune and attention to the requirements of Jight and shade were features of the orchestration in each instance. '"xlic Turkish Patrol was an acceptable revival, and its interpretation, ns well as the interpretation of Mozart's " Nozze de Figaro,' and the concluding waltz, " Dream on the Ocean" (Gung'l) left nothing to be desired. The society were fortunate in securing the services of two such accomplished vocalists as Mrs Howie and Mr W. P. Denton. The contralto's solos were " There is a queen still far away " (Gounod) and " Winter " iGalty). In the ch'.--s of music represented by Gounod's song, Mrs Howie is at her best. Sacred music is eminently suited to her methods, and her rendering of the solo, artistic as it was in every respect, evoked a demonstrative outburst of applause. She also gave an exceedingly tasteful rendering of " Winter," and again the audience denoted the pleasure they derived from her ainging in an unmistakable manner. Mr Denton's songs were looked forward to with pleasurable anticipations, because of the very favourable impression he created on the occasion of his first appearance here a short time ago. The tenor appeared to be in excellent voice, and if anything excelled his previous efforts referred to. He sang "Answer" Ulobyn) and Sullivan's " Looking back," and in each instance his vocalisation—both for its technical perfection and artistic effects—was unquestionably fine. Jn every instance the soloists were honoured with recalls. Mrs Howie had an urchestral accompaniment to the Gounod solo, and it was effectively played. The accompaniments otherwise were played by Mr W. E. Taylor, who discharged his important duties with marked taste and ability. Mr James Coombs the conductor, as usual wielded the baton.

£20 REWARD.

Will be offered for the most suitable name sent in ifor the Second Grade Dunlop Tyro we intend placing on the market, to meet the existing demand for a good-wearing lyre at a low price. Send " Name," with name and address, to The Dunlop Tyro Company, 123 Lichfield street, Cliristchurch. Competition clo.-es on thft 31st inst.

Raspberries are probably the most profitable of fruits for market-growing, and iha vrw varieties "Superlative" and " Hornet' are the best paying kinds to grow. Mmmo and Blair sell them, and will give all particulars regarding them.—Advt. — The latest craze seems to be autograph table cloths. At many important dinners in London guests are being invited to inscribe their names on the white damask tablecloths with a pencil, the writing being subsequently embroidered. One club now possesses a cloth so crowded with autographs, coats-of-arms, and other devices, that there is but little sptico left unoccupied.