DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22295, 22 June 1934, Page 12

DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Considerable diversity of interest characterises the programme selected for the Dunedin Orchestral Society's second concert of the 1934 season, which will be held in the Concert Chamber on Saturday, June 30, at 8 p.m. Including as it does such works as'the First Movement of Tschaikowsky's Piano Concerto, Wagner's "Rienzi" Overture, Mendelssohn's " Fingal's Cave" Overture, the Dance, Willow Song and Military March from Coleridge-Taylor!s " Othello " music. Edward German's three " Nell Gwyn" Dances and other items by Rachmaninoff, Massenet and Wagner, the list of music to be performed will contain, works which have a wide appeal. The " Rienzi" Overture is one of the least complex of the composer's works. Its themes are easily recognisable by the average listener who will have little difficulty in identifying the characteristic qualities of the theme of Reinzi's prayer for the people and of those themes . associated with the cry of the Roman citizens for freedom and the call to arms. The same composer's Prelude to Act 111, " Lohengrin," contains some of the best known of his music. The contrast between virility and tenderness is here well marked, and the brilliance.of the orchestral writing combined with the attractive quality of the thematic material makes this work deservedly popular. In striking contrast to these Wagner examples is Mendelssohn's " Hebrides " or " Fingal's Cave " Overture—composed after a visit to Fingal's Cave which Mendelssohn describes as affecting hi?n in an extraordinary way. Without giving too literal an interpretation to this music, one may say that the composer succeeds in conveying his impressions to the .listeners with marked success. Tschaikowsky's magnificent Piano Concerto in B flat minor is described by Hans von Bulow as " lofty, strong and original." To the eminently satisfying effect of the composer's orchestral stylo is here added some fine work .for the solo instrument. Miss Winifred Gardner will be the solo pianist on this occasion. With Miss Ethel Wallace, F.T.C.L., us soloist the meditation from " Thais" by Massenet for solo violin and orchestra will prove very attractive. Rachmaninoff's well-known Prelude in C sharp minor is also included. The ever-fresh " Nell Gwyn" Dances of Edward German, and three attractive pieces from Coleridge Taylor's " Othello " music Will complete the orchestral section of the programme. The vocalist for the evening is Mr Denis Dowling, who will sing the Prologue from " Pagliacci" n'ud "Largo al Factotum" from "The Barber of Seville." The conductor will be Mr T. Vernon Griffiths. j