BANDSMEN'S COLUMN

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 163, 15 August 1914, Page 5

BANDSMEN'S COLUMN

The concert given in the Domain Gardens by the Christchureh Professional Band last Sunday was well patronised by the public, and a good collection was made on behalf of Mr A. Heath, who has been seriously. ill for several weeks and was in need, of assistance. The public generously responded to the appeal, and the beneficiary is extremely thankful to both the band and public for their kind assistance in time of need.

With respect to the performance of the Professional Band—the name itself is sufficient evidence that the band is ranked above the ordinary, and that the members are in a class by themselves* Therefore much more is expected from them in every respect from a playing standpoint than would be expected from an ordinary amateur band. This i$ the first time that I have heard this combination, and I must confess that I was greatly disappointed. I had made up my mind that I should have an afternoon's musical treat, but my hopes were not realised. The opening march was lacking in good ensemble playing, and attack aid precision were never once attempted. Certain individuals were good, but many other members were playiiig in a lax manner, and the true spirit of the music was not suggested. The cornet solo, "A Perfect Day, " was played with an excellent quality of tone, and, generally speaking, the soloist phrased the melody very well; but he would have improved on this considerably if he had introduced a little mors variety of tone and colour. A perfect day is not the same from sunrise to sunset. The degrees of warmth vary considerably, and there are shadows, and different degrees of light breezes to be felt, etc. —so it should be felt in describing this solo. Then again it was hard to tell who was the soloist at times, for, apart from the liittis, where all are expected to do an equal share of blowing, the soloist was bein.g continually smothered up by the obtrusive accompaniments. How can a soloist do justice to himself or the music under such circumstances? Such a fault is unpardonable in professionals. Then again the intonation was very faultv, especially, in the inner parts, 'i'he balance was seldom good. In the 1 ' Mignon" selection I never once heard a good, well-balanced chord. I do not wish to discourage the band or any single member by my plain language, knowing full well that the truth often hurts our feelings, but, at the same time, it is just as well that we should hear ourselves as others hear us, and turn a friendly criticism to good account. The tempos in many places were overdrawn, and the band was not well balanced. There were individuals who played really Avell, and that in itself made the ensemble sound the poorer. There were not sufficient wood wind and reed instruments to be of any material use. The quality of tone was thin, and this section of the band sounded rather empty. It cannot be termed a military band, brass band, or orchestra —a peculiar combination, and certainly not a good one. In other yieees played by the band the same faults were noticeable, and the various rhythms in triple time seemed a great stumbling block to different sections of the band. Again, many weak-

(By "MAESTBO.")

nesses were observed in the leit motif of the ' 1 Maitre Peronville'' overture. The execution and interpretation of this were unsatisfactory. '' Yalkyrie'' has kindly sent along the latest programme played by the Wanganui Garrison Band in the Opera House on the 9th inst., and a very fine one it is, as will be seen by the following:— (1) Cornets Ensemble, "There is a Land" (Allitson). (2) Overture, "Bohemian Girl" (Balfe). (3) Song, "For All Eternity"; vocalist, Mr C. Suisted. (4) Cornet solo, "O Dry Those Tears"; soloist, Mr J. McGrath. (5) Grand /selection, "Poliuto" (Donizetti). (6) ■Song, by Mr C. Suisted. (7) (a) Trombone recit:, ' 1 Comfort Ye My People" (Handel); soloist, Mr H. Briggs; (b) Chorus, "And the Glory of the Lord." (8) The National Anthem. The concert was a great success, the house being full and many people being unable to get in. A GBEAT ASSET TO WANGANUI CITY. The following figures and particulars from the annual report of the Garrison Band will be of more than ordinary interest to all bandsmen and their supporters. During the last 12 months — June, 1913, to June, 1914—the band held 121 rehearsals and made 70 public appearances, thus totalling 191 meetings. Included in the above are the following benefits: — 1913. Collection. June 28 —Durie Hill School . . £ 7 0 0 Oct. 31 —Hospital 'Xmas dinner 11 0 0 Nov. 13- —Concert at Rosstown School Nov. 14—Concert for Surf Club 5 15 6 Nov. 17- —At opening of His Majesty's Theatre . . Dec. 12 —Concert at Ea.stown School Dec. 21 —Jubilee Home dinner 6 10 0 1914. Jan. 12 —Assisted Mr Flanigan evangelist . . . . . . Mar. I—Benefit1 —Benefit Mrs Leeson . . 7 0 9 Mar. 4 —Concert for Carnival Queen 6 2 0 Mar. 11—Carnival Queen election Mar. 17 —At St. Patrick's concert Mar. 21—Carnival Apr. 12—Mrs Putt's benefit .. 11 13 6 May 10—Scandlyn benefit . . . . 25 0 0 June 4—At Technical School concert . . . . . . . . June 14 —Larsen & Hardy benefit 17 7 0 June 18—At opening of orphanage The total amount raised by the band is £97 8/-. It will thus be seen what a brass band is capable of and that such worthy organisations as these should be encouraged —when one considers the great amount of self-sacrifice that is required and the extra time and labour involved. WOOLSTON BAND. The very band that the Christchureh City Council sought to bring under the influences of the wet blanket last week was the first to prove its loyalty and patriotism on Saturday night last, when the huge procession and demonstration took place at Victoria , Square. The bandsmen cheerfully turned out and played all through the streets and on the rotunda, and to say that the affair would have been ilat without their assistance is putting it mildly. On such occasions brass bands are a necessity.