AUSTRALIAN SILVER BAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19691, 19 January 1926, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN SILVER BAND.

A FINE PERFORMANCE. The Australian Silver BanL had no reason to be dissatisfied with the reception accorded it at the opening concert which was given in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. It was not altogether a question of attendance that counted, though that is of course an important matter from a financial point of view, but also of appreciation, and that the large audience did appreciate the very fine playing of the band was beyond all possible doubt. It is the unexpected that sometimes happens, and with a mass of strong counter attractions .such an attendance as that present in His Majesty’s Theatre last night could scarcely Pc looked for. Yet it w-as present; the public being very strongly represented in (he dress circle, as well as downstairs. The Silver Band is not a numerous body, but it is quite evident that every member of it is a plaver. It is not suggested by (hat remark that it exhibits any weakness in any direction; such a notion would be at once dissipated at first hearing. In the .-.inductor, Mr A. H. Haile. Dunedin will recognise an old acquaintance, as he was a visitor not so very long ago with the Newcastle Steel Band, and has now transferred to the Australian Steel Band. He was accorded a hearty welcome on making his first appearance last' evening. The hand opened with a favourite selection in the overture to “William Tell, which was arranged for a military band in four parts representing morning, storm, pastorale, and finale. Rossini’s overture was splendidlv played, and was conspicuous for crecendos that occur fairly frequently. Another feature was the oboe solo that is introduced into one of the parts, and is decidedly suggestive of Swiss peasant music. Well as this operatic selection was given, it was, from an artistic point of view, excelled by the playing of “Nearer, My God to Thee.” A most effective organlike part was sustained by the bass instruments, while the air was left to the others The Silver Band contains a good many soloists; more perhaps than were represented in actual solo items; judging by some of the band selections in which a number of the bandsmen had an opportunity of displaying their individual powers if only for a few bars. The first soloist to win the good opinion of the audience was Mr Arthur Stender, the deputy_ conducfor whose playnig of Rimmer s Titaiim on the cornet was admirable. The recall be received was well earned, and the next gave a very fine rendering of Ihe Host Chord.” The band was then m evidence for the second time, and gave a superb interpretation of a selection from Wagner s “Lohengrin,” which contained several of the most taking and popular portions of the German composer’s grand work, it was a lengthy and trying composition for the band ,and received a masterly interpretation, and in response to the. prolonged applause the band made a radical change from grand opera to jazz music which was given in great style. Following this came some very clever xylophone playing by Mr Harold Reid', who had previously been in charge of the drums. Coaxing the Piano” was the title of his xylophone solo and it proved a welcome addition to what had gone before. Being recalled Mr Reid played “Annie Laurie,” using four padded hammers at once The harmomes produced were particularly beautiful and an exquisitely soft effect was obtained. The audience clamoured for a further contribution, and succeeded in inducing the xylophonist to play ‘‘The Last Rose of Summer.” The band ushered in the second part of the programme, which was throughout of the popular order, jazz item into which the ‘‘Blue Danube waltz was woven. The next band selection on the list was to cover airs from several ot bullivan’s comic operas, but one, lolathe, was chosen. The music of lolanthe is exceedingly pretty, and was very well played. Mr Clarrie Collins then entertained patrons with a trombone solo, his selection being the famous air Lend Mo Your Aid,” by Gounod. Ihe audience tried hard to induce Mr CoHms to augment what was a decidedly well playtd item, but the conductor' interceded m his behalf, and explained that his lips were sore, and he has still a good deal of trombone work to do. Finally, the band <mve a clever performance of “The Red. White, and Bine ” in which was depicted the approach, passing, and receding of a patrol. The audience was still not satisfied, and a medley of British national airs w.as given as a supplementary number. . . Another concert will be given this oven-