THE VOLUNTEER CONCERT AT THE CHORAL HALL.

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 2, 25 September 1880, Page 10

THE VOLUNTEER CONCERT AT THE CHORAL HALL.

A. concert, in aid of the funds of the Engineer and City Bands, took place last Monday evening, in the Choral Hall. The overture, on "motivos" of "Les Cloches de Corneville," Avas not interpreted in the style Avhich is required by each of them ; moreover the pretty nuances of this sparkling music Avere utterly neglected. The linking together of the airs lacked regularity — that is to say the ear Avas not sufficiently prepared for the transition from one " motivo" to another — the execution being too abrupt. The same remarks hold good Avith regard to the rendering of the " FareAvell" air, with variations for clarionet,, cornet, ancl euphonium. Furthermore, it Avas interpreted Avith less accuracy than the former. In justice to the executants, hoAvever, I must state that a correct execution of such music is altogether impossible for instrumentalists of their force. Tlie grand sloav march, " Honour to the BraA'e," Avas given A\ T ith greater noise, but less effect, than the first tAvo morceaux. The unison chant interpreted by the voices Avas, hoAvever, Avell rendered. I sincerely welcomed this combination of voices and instruments, forit relieved for a feAV moments my aching ears from the volume of ill-directed sound emitted by the big drum ancl its Avorthy companions, the dram and kettle-drum. The introduction of these three poAverful instruments into the organization of a band of such numerical weakness, is against cA r ery rule of orchestration and true harmony ; and besides the latter three performers acted their respective parts with such an entrain that I came to the .conclusion they Avere doing piece Avork. In the rendering of the song " Over the Rolling Sea, " Mr. Edmiston shoAved us that he is possessed of a voice of no common merit--also that he does not know lioav to use it, Avhilst the interpretation of " Jessie's Dream," by Miss Mercer, convinced us that this charming lady sings out of tune. The "Lullaby," song, Avas given Avith banjo accompaniment by Mr. Smart. This instrument is not a very appropriate one to assist the voice, and yet the stranger interpreted his morceau in a natural and pleasing manner. The performer sat doAvn, and made himself comfortable, till I fancied that he Avas going to serenade his lady-love " a la Castillane," by singing under her AvindoAV. In such cases, hoAvever, the nocturnal performer usually prefers to remain standing, that he may take to liis heels at the first intrusion of a jealous rival. The interpretation of the "faucet," by this same gentlemen, proved that he is Avell qualified to sing the " Tyrolienne" Avith success. Mr. Bumham's voice is pleasing and sympathetic, but that is all, and even this little is spoiled by his pretentious and somewhat outre manner. Mrs. Mitchell is a great favourite with the Auckland public, and she deserves it. Her interpretation of the song "Where is Heaven ? ft Avas full of SAveetness, taste, and feeling. The musical proceedings terminated Avitli the song " Nil Desperandum," rendered Avith true expression by Mr. Edmiston. The voice of this gentleman Avould greatly improve by studying A'ocalizzi, by means of Avhich tlie loAver notes of its register Avould become fuller. Apart from this clef ect I gladly acknoAvledge he is a good baritone. The dramatic part of the programme consisted of the vaudeville "Le Chalet," Avhich proved a transformation (it Avould be more appropriate to call it a mutilation) of one of the best operas of A. Adam, the renoAvned French composer. TJie idea of changing sparkling music into dialogues is not a happy one. Fortunately the popular military song "Au Service de rAutriche, le militaire nest pas riche " remains. It Avas in terpre ted Avith great verve by Mr, Bastian, avlio Avould be a good actor Avere the merits of his singing equal to those of his figure ancl gesticulation. NotAvithstanding his musical deficiency, he played his role remarkably AvelL Mr. Thomas, the betrothed of Lisette Gierstein, sister of the SAviss sergeant, acted his cpmical part in such a natural maimer that he succeeded in proA'oking seA'eral times the most genuine outbursts of laughter. Miss Ricard Avas delightful in the role of Lisette. Hoav becoming you look, Mademoiselle, in' your bright short petticoats, ancl Avhat a fascinating little " Suissesse" you are ! I found, hoAveA r er, one fault Avith our volunteer actors, namely, they remained too much in the back-ground of the stage. I should advise them to stand nearer the footlights and to remember that they are performing for the audience and not for themselves. To conclude, the representation of "Le Chalet," the socalled vaudeville, Avas all that could be desired from amateur actors. The curtain fell after that little musical gem "Au service de rAutriche," Avas repeated this time by Mademoiselle Lisette. Tlie accompaniment by the band Avas good, considering lioav difficult it is for wind instruments to accompany voices of a more than limited range. Muse.