DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22742, 30 November 1935, Page 19

DUNEDIN ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Realising that there is a large and eminently sane body of public opinion which asks for a comparatively simple art which all may understand and appreciate, the Dunedin Orchestral Society has selected for its fourth and last concert of the 1935 season a series of works by composers who, with one exception, are outstanding for their real musicianship and for the healthy and direct appeal of their works. Possibly no overture has gained a more secure place in the affection of music-lovers, than the “ Rosamunde ’’ Overture, by Schubert, and possibly no other work more clearly demonstrates the fact that great music can be both simple in construction and direct in its appeal. Another composer whose work is full of simple beauty is Grieg. His "Sigurd Jorsalfar” Suite will be played in its entirety on this occasion. The titles of the three movements are Prelude, Intermezzo, and March—mere names which give little indication, of the music’s charm. The first movement of the Grieg A minor Piano Concerto which was played by the orchestra at the recent Grainger concert (with Mr Grainger himself as solo pianist) has been soon selected for performance again. Mr Grainger’s own orchestral work, “ Spoon River,” will receive a second performance. It was very favourably received at the Grainger concert. On this occasion the solo pianoforte part will be played by Mr Max Scherek, who will also be the soloist for the Grieg Concerto. The xylophone part will be played by Mrs Alfred Walmsley. Other orchestral items will be two sections from Maurice Besly’s “Chelsea China” Suite and the whole of Dr R. Vaughan Williams’s attractive “ English Folk-song ” Suite. The latter includes two excellent marches . and a really beautiful intermezzo. In addition to Mr Scherek, other soloists for the concert will be Miss Ethel Wallace and Mr Alfred Walmsley. Miss Wallace will play the Meditation from “Thais” by Massenet (accompanied by the orchestra), and the first movement of Grieg’s “ Violin Sonata in C minor ” (in which she will be accompanied by Mrs H. C. Campbell). Mr Walmsley has selected the aria “ Almighty Lord and Father” from “Le Cid” (Massenet) and two songs by T. Vernon Griffiths—“The Coasts of High Barbary” (an arrangement of a Somerset Folk-song) and “And Shall Trelawny Die?” (a setting of verses by R. S. Hawker.) The orchestra will be conducted by Mr T. Vernon Griffiths.