ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2268, 19 August 1897, Page 39

ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

It would seem as if the popularity of the Ducedin Orchestral Society's concerts were only limited by the capacity of the building in which they take place. On the 10th inst. the society made its first appearance in the new Agricultural Hall, and, although the building is considerably larger than that in which the concerts have hitherto been given, the seating accommodation was availed of to the utmost extent, and. many were compelled to satisfy themselves with standing room. The programme, on the whole, might be Baid to compare favourably with those presented at ptevious concerts. The generality of the orchestral pieces represented light and pleasing music, and as a piice de resistance Beethoven's "First Symphony" was perfoimed. The vocal portion of tbe entertainment was on thin occasion left entirely in the hands of a Christchurch vocalist, Miss Alice Corrick ; and in this jespect it may be remarked that the society aims at introducing to its patrons vocalists whose sin. ng they do not hs»ve frequent opportunities of hearing. Occasionally the selection does not prove to be an entirely felicitous one, but the fact that the singer is a stranger to the" audience, and thus affordß a change from our local vocalists, compensates for deficiencies which could not, perhaps, be otherwise altogether overlooked. Alias Corrick, who was introduced on this occasion for the first time to concert-goers here, occupies, it has been stated, a place of distinction in the musical world of the City of the Plains. Her numbers were both very taxing — viz., "Ah Fors c lvi" and the ".lewel song" from "Faust." She possesses a well-trained voice of extensive range. The middle and lower register is of a sweet and mellow quality, but the head notes are occasionally a little thin aud strident. She sings, however, with artistic taste and skill, her phrasing being exquisite, but her enunciatinn at times is imperfect. Of the two items she was heard to the greater advantage in the " Jewel song." The beatiful passages were rendered with true musicianly taste, and the only defects (if any) that were noticeable were her execution of one or two of the runs and trills, in each instance she waa accompanied by the orchestra, and except in one or two places where there was a want of accord between the accompanists and the vocalist, the effect wa3 very fine. At the termination of each song Miss Corrick was the recipient of an emphatic recall, and the rule of the society forbidding encnrp.i a.lon» r«*trained the audi*

ence from insisting that she should supplement her contributions with other songs. Concerning the orchestral pieces, the "Symphony" must be singled out for especially warm commendation. On no previous occasion, perhaps, has the society been beard to better advantage. The grand work was interpreted with skill and fidelity throughout. The work is in three movements— adagio molto, allegro con brio, and andimte cantebilo. The first movement, however, is very short, comprising only 12 bars, and serves as a prelude to the remaining movements. The allegro contains some marvellously beautiful orchestration, while lome elegant phrases for the 'cello, bassoon, oboes, and flute recur at frequent intervals in the final movement. A selection of airs from Mercadante's 'La Vestale," arranged by Lamotte, and three movements (daisy, lilac, and jessamine) from Cowen's "Language of Flowers" came next as being the most enjoyable contributions of the society. The selection is somewhat lengthy, but its performance was free from any serious blemishes. A selection arranged by Langey from " Linda di Ohamouni " (Donizetti) and the overture to "Le Lac dcs Fees" were also received with demonstrations of approval, while Jacobi's march "Infernal" and GungTs "Jungherren Tanze" completed the programme. Mr James Coombs occupied his usual position as conductor, as did Mr E. Parker as leader of the orchestra.