PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3030, 10 April 1912, Page 69

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.

Tiie Dunedin Philharmonic Society gave its initial concert of the joar at the Gar* rison Hall on Tuesday last, in the presence of an audience which, from en either numerical or appreciative standpoint, it must certainly have found encouraging. These present had little cause for complaint in respect to the musical programme, submitted, this being interesting throughout, and quite sufficiently studying popular taste. Too gj-eat leniency in the iatter direction would be a mistake. The concert opened with Greig's " Huldigungsmarch," given "with rather more precision than grace, which was succeeded by the " Preisleid," from Wagner's Meistersitlger." Thi* proved a very effective number its peculiar charm being creditably expressed by the orchestra, and the treatment not lacking delicacy and refinement, In some respects the most successful orchestral effort was the Symphonic Poem " Finlandia," by the Finnish composer Sibelius. This work, which is of decidedly stirring character iQ parts, was introduced to the local publtoi by the society last year, and it makes con» siderable demands on the performers. The composition appeared to be given on this occasion with results commensurate with increased familiarity with the mu-ie, and the audience, though not moved to riot, as the Finns, according to rumour, are liable lo be by its rendering, gave the selection an emphatic encore, which resulted in the .repetition of a portion of it. The remaining orchestral numbers on the programme were Mascagni's familiar In'.ermc/zo from '• Cavailei ia Rusticana," which gave >t« usual quota of pleasure as interpreted by string s , piano, and organ; an lnteraienw of dainty and contrasting character by (V.ibulka; and an overture. "No. 1 in 0 Minor," by the Italian composer JacopO Foroni, which afforded ample opportunity for sonorous orchestration, and has interesting cnaracteristics. Variety was lent the concert by the contribution of piano~ar>d vocal roloe. Mis Levi is a pianist who always commands attention, and her interpretation of Chopin's line Fantasia in F Minor, Op. 49. was in every respect up to the high standard 1 of artistic and rnujicianly excellence anticipated. Tfaa pianist was accorded an emphatic retail. The vocalist of the evening w.is Mi' W. Walters, whose programme numb.'is were "The Toreador Song" from "Carmen;" and the ballad "I triumph'' (Carissimi). in the latter of winch the singer's excellent baritone voice was heard to admirable advantage. While Bizet's famous number was rendered with considerable spirit and in a decidedly eri'dilab'e manner, the peculiar difficulties it presents were not surmounted with entire success Recalled in each instance, Mr Watters gave as additional item* "Bid me to live" and •"Drinking." Signor Squarise was at his usual post as the society's conductor, while -Miss E. Hartley uclccl as accompanist.