BAND CONCERT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7134, 26 June 1901, Page 1

BAND CONCERT.

The music-loving people of Christchurch era indebted to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York for one of the greatest treats that has ever been vouchsafed them. Long before the Ophir reached these parts, the fame of the Royal Marine Band, which, is accompanying the Royal yacht, had been heralded, and considerable satisfaction waa expressed when it beoame known that the band would give two concerts in thos city. The first of j these was given m the Canterbury Hall last night. At an early hour it becazne evident that the audience would be large, and before the concert began standing room only, was available all over the house. The band; which is conducted by Mr J. Wright, R.C.M., and .comprises thirty-four members, wite specially selected for the Royal tour by hiis Royal Highness out of 250 fine bands in the servioe. To eay that the concert was successful, only mildly expresses the popular verdict. Every item was loudly cheered, the playing arousing tiie enthusiasm of the audience in a mainner which more imposing functions have failed to accomplish. It. is not only as a * military band that the players dime, as they were beard as an orchestra dn the first part, aod as a military band in the second, and tbey were equally at home with both classes of instruments. The orchestral programme included an overture "Raymond," "Solveig's Lied," selection " Tannhausar," raise "Lustige Bruder," selection "II TTovatore," and pizzicato serenade " Mandolins." In each' the playing was excellent, the different parts beong well balanced. The most popular piece was "Lustige Binder," in which tlje pretty whistling effect brought tlc-wn the house, and this part bad to be repeated. In the seoond part the items were overture " Masr aniiello," idyile "The Smithy in the Wood," selection "San Toy/' Polonaise, vaJee "Casino Tanz," and march "Under Freedom's Flag." The first named showed the band to great advantage, though the audience preferred "Tne Smithy in the Wood," the anvil accompaniment in which added greatly to the effeot, and a repetition was demanded. Taken all through, the concert ' was an admirable one, and it is safe t6 say that there will be another large audienbe when the second concert is given to-night.