CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 706, 27 August 1870, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

" This will do," was the remark of many of those present at the Musical Society's concert last night during the interval between the parts. "This will do;" we cordially echo the words. Nothing better has been given in the Town Hall since Christchurch first mustered sufficient ambition to form a musical society. In many respects the Society's fifth concert was noticeable. Discipline, subordination, and that expression and light and shade, the absence of which we have hitherto so frequently deplored, contributed to the success of the concert; and last, but not by any means least, the continuity of the performance was very pleasant, no time being lost between the pieces; we would, however, beg of the Society to endeavour to commence more punctually in future, as eight o'clock is a sufficiently late hour. The programme was particularly well arranged. The first part consisted of Bierey's cantata, " Faith and Adoration," and a very judicious selection from "The Creation." The second part was a pot-pourri of principally modern composers. It was worthy of remark that there were only two vocal solos, which circumstance was certainly an innovation as far as regards Christchurch concerts, and we accord all praise to the Society's conductor for his discrimination in this respect. We have been overdone with solos— good, bad, and indifferent — and a little good concerted music is indeed a treat. Leaving generalities, we will endeavour to indicate the performances which were characterised by especial merit. With regard to Bierey's cantata, it was rather nice— weak praise for weak music — it seems to us to have neither character nor purpose, yet it flows smoothly and pleasantly ; and though there is nothing deserving of high praise, on the other hand there is nothing to condemn. It received fair treatment; the performance was unexceptionable. We would point to No. 3" I call to recollection," as perhaps the most striking feature in the cantati. In the selections from the " Creation," the vocalists seemed to throw their whole soul into the performance, and consequently all the choruses went excellently well. The trio, " On Thee each living soul awaits " was particularly well rendered. In closing our notice of the first part, we must commend the orchestra. They shew great improvement, and have evidently practised together well. The second part was opened by Haydn's symphony, No. 1 2, which went very smoothly. Mendelssohn's beautiful part songs, " The Vale of Rest" and "Hunting Song" followed ; the former was uncertain, but the latter was very well rendered. Rather to our surprise, this beautiful part-song was received rather tamely, and we were beginning to think the audience cold and undemonstrative ; but were undeceived by the burst of applause which greeted the capital performance of Rossini's " Carnovale," which could not have been given better. The encore was responded to, and again heartily applauded. Mr Simms' pianoforte

solo was perfect in execution, as it was sure to be. Mr Thompson seems to hare formed an erroneous idea of the requirements of the Town Hall. In the centre of the hall his song was in great part inaudible, and the words were wholly unintelligible. The Misses Marshman received a well-deserved encore. It is but seldom that a pianoforte performance is redemanded, and such a demand from an audience rather deficient in enthusiasm, is indeed high praise; in reply they gave Ascher's " Sans Souci " with great animation. Might we suggest to Mr Applsby that " Come into the Garden, Maud " may be repeated too frequently, however well it may be sung? Mrs Hamilton played the accompaniments throughout the evening. Herr Biinz led the orchestra, and the Society's conductor, Mr Parker, wielded the baton. To this gentleman is due very high praise for the proficiency to which the Society has attained under his management. In conclusion, we say to the Musical Society— go on and prosper. We feel sure that the repetition of the concert on Monday, at million prices, will be a success, if the people of Christchurch are really as musical as they would wish to be thought.