ORCHESTRA GIVES SECOND PROGRAMME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19075, 21 May 1930, Page 7

ORCHESTRA GIVES SECOND PROGRAMME.

Last night the new Professional Orchestra gave its second -programme at the Radiant Ilall, which should have contained a capacity audience to encourage this excellent organisation instead of one only moderately good. Where are all the people who are always talking about their desire for good orchestras, and then do not take advantage of one formed in their midst? And admission at prices on the lowest scale, too. As at the initial concert, the standard set was high. This time Mr Arthur Gordon was conductor, and directed his band with spirit and commendable results. The orchestral list is not quite complete—there are no horns or bassoons—but as it is constituted at present it is capable of giving Christchurch much pleasure. This programme was of higher class than the initial, which was set on entirely popular lines. Last night the music presented was of quality and attractiveness. One never tires of Bizet’s incidental music to “ L’Arlesienne.” The players entered con amore into the vigour of the Prelude, the grace and delicacy of the Minuet and the quaintness of the Carillon. How versatile was the Parisian composer! Who could ever connect the writer of the exotic “ Carmen ” with such old-world charm as lies in such orchestral music as this, and in his tender French songs? A splendid “ Spanish Caprice ” of Rimsky-Korsakoff was a novelty here. The suite consists of five movements, of which the concluding, the “ Fandango Asturiano,” was glowingly characteristic of Spain, It was brilliantly given. The “ Scena e Canto Gitano ” preceding it gave fine opportunity to various soloists—violin (Miss Irene Morris!, flute (Mr A. E. Hutton), clarionet (Mr M. E. Withers) and harp (Mr H. G. Glaysher). There was a strain of sadness in some of the earlier music, not suggestive of its locale. But always Rimsky-Korsakoff show’s his wonderful gift for orchestral colour. Sibelius was down for his two bestknown compositions the “ Yalse Triste ” and “ Finlandia.” Both were very well given, the latter with dramatic feeling. But the final blast of the brass was somewhat sharp in intonation. The world's most popular overture, the “ William Tell,” opened the programme. Mr Harold Beck’s rich tone had scope in the 'cello solo. Mr C. H. Smith’s oboe solo was also very good. This slow movement could have had further finish in some details, .but the overture went well as a whole. Sympathetic playing marked the first movement of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, The interesting Debussy Suite was another novelty, and the Jamefelt “ Preludium ” pleased. Altogether, the e.vening’s performance was meritorious. Mr Harold Prescott was in good voice, and sang w’ith animation in a number of listed songs and added numbers. Miss Merle Miller aided in her piano accompaniment. SYDNEY FRANCIS lIOBEN.