N.S.W. ORCHESTRA.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1920, Page 6

N.S.W. ORCHESTRA.

. OPENING OF DOMINION TOUR. The expectations of weeks past were more than realised last night (says the New Zealand Herald of Thursday last) on. the occasion of the opening concert of the series arranged to be given by the famous New South Wales State orchestra. The fame of this remarkable musical organisation had, of course, preceded it, but it is questionable whether the most ardent music lovers had estimated with any degree of accuracy the wonderful attainments of which the orchestra was really possessed.

Of the orchestra itself much might be written. It is a combination of highly trained musicians, each one a soloist of high standing, the string department alone including many artists who are frequently heard in Individual concert work. When such a performing body comes under the influence and enthusiasm of such a conductor as Mr. Verbrugghen, anything is possible, as last night's audience must testify.

The choice of selections included many already familiar to concert-goers, and the visitors' performance was such that the large assembly was carried away with enthusiasm on the conclusion of each item. Never before had such wonderful effects of light and shade been lieatrd, as embodied in the sweeping crescendos or shimmering diminuendos. Frequently almost bewildering effects were produced in the declamation of gripping dissonances, or complex cross-rhythms. The personnel of |he orchestra enabled the finest tonal balance to be preserved in equally sustained harmonies, while it goes without saying that the intonation was at all times appealing to the aesthetic sense.

The conductor, Mr. Verbrugghen, received the warmest of welcomes as he made his first appearance, and after an inspiring rendering of the National Anthem, and some appropriate words of welcome by Mr. Harry Hemus, which brought in their train three cheers from the audience, the programme was proceeded with. It was fitting that the opening selection overture "Leonora No. 3," should have been from the pen of the great classicist Beethoven. As played last night it was a revelation in clear delineation of musical ideas which traversed all sections of the orchestra. Unequalled in the domain of the dramatic overture its manifold demands were easily met by the large body of players, who seemingly; revelled in presenting the many beauties of this inspiring work. A chaste rendering of the Tangi from Alfred Hill's "Maori Rhapsody" tested fully the orchestra's power of refined intonation in a poetically conceived musical idea, Mr. Hill, who was in the viola department of the orchestra, gracefully acknowledged the ivarm applause bestowed upon the number.

A crescendo of excitement and interestwas occasioned by. the rarelv-finished performance of the two Wagnerian items, (a) "Prelude" and (bl "Prelude to Act III." from "Lohengrin." The first commenced in an ethereal manner upon the highest harmonics of the violins" (divided) and gradually increased in tone lmlil it was reinforced, in turn, by the. woodwind, violas, 'cellos, horns,'and last' the heavy bras*. Swelling, as it did] into a surging sea of sound! the listener was electrified . The* it gradual!? subsided. The clash of the .Tournament was vividly suggested in the powerful Prelude to Act TIL, the remarkable precision of the brass in their themes contributing in a marked degree to an illimitable and thrilling performance. After thunderous applause and calls from all parts oi the'hall, the item was repeated.

Detailed reference to the concluding symphonv, the famous "Pathctique." is impossible here. Suffice it to say that each movement was in every way a revelation of masterly interpretation. The keenest interest was centred upon the "Allegro eon Grazia." with its five beats to the har. and the "March" movement, with its many tonal excitements. The dosing "Adagio Lamentoso" was aweinspiring in its noigT.ancy.

The box plan for Thursday's concert in New Plymouth is now open at Collier's. There was heavy boolcins on Saturday, and patrons should not lose any time in securing- their scats for the concert.