THE CHRISTCHURCH GARRISON BAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6831, 19 April 1890, Page 4

THE CHRISTCHURCH GARRISON BAND.

THE CONCERT.

Despite the miserable weather, the Oddfellows' Hall was full last night, and Volunteer uniforms here and there had a pleasing effect. Musically, too, the concert was highly successful. The Band mustered twenty-four, under Bandmaster R. Trist Searell.

The first item waß an overture " Excelsior," by H. Round (which, by-the-bye, has been played a good many times already in England in the band contests there, although only published last year.) This was rendered in a manner which won hearty demonstrations of pleasure. The last concerted piece for the first part was "Le Comte d'Ory," an arrangement for that opera, by J. Riviere, the piece selected by the 'Musical Committee at Dunedin for the test piece at the late Band Concert. The light and shade were really well marked. Especial praise must be given ; to the quartette for cornet, two trombones and euphonium. The opening piece of the second part was an arrangement of Handel's "Harmonious Blacksmith," which we have frequently heard as a pianoforte solo, but not as an arrangement for a brass band. v ln some of the variations the effect is a decided improvement. This piece, however; would have been better rendered had there been more time for practice. The closing item was a selection froiit. Wagner's three operas, Lohengrin, Tannhauser and The Flying Dutchman. This was also lately played at Dunedin, and was adversely criticised by the Judges. The opinion of the audience last nii*ht, however, was highly favourable. The piece abounds in difficulties for all t-Jje indtFtiments, specially the middle parts, arid" we were agreeably surprised at their rendering. The finale was given with an amount of Bpirit which left little to be desired. We must congratulate the Band on the really artistic rendering of this selection.

Mrs W, P. Townend contributed in no small manner to the success of the concert. In the first part she sang T. Hatter's " Dear Heart " with great feeling, meriting the encore which followed. She responded by singing "The Kerry Boys," by Molloy, the archness of this latter song pleasingly contrasting with the former. In the second part Mrs Townend sang M. Piccolomini's "Ora Pro Nobis," which ought to have been re-demanded. Mr A. Millar sang "Tbe Bugler," by Ciro JPineuti,a song which, the audience wished to hear again, but he simply bowed hi3 acknowledgments. Later on he sang "The Stormfiend,"/ which specially brought out the excellens*quality of his lower register, and in response to the inevitable encore, he gave Pinsufir'f?" The Outpost " in a manner which left rfstle to be desired. Mr Muschamp (a member of the Band) contributed an ophicleide solo, a cavatina, by Richards, ana the rich full tone of the instrument will no doubt be long remembered. The encore he received was not responded to. Mr P. 'H. Mohr played a difficult cornet solo, " Alexis," by Harkman, the piece selected by him at Dunedin for the solo cornet competition. The triple- tongueing „variation at the end literally brought down •the house, and in response he gave "Reve d' Amour," by Haydn Millars. A special word of praise is due to Bandmaster Searell, for tha evident care he has taken in bringing the band to its present standard of excellence.