FINE RECITAL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 14 June 1934, Page 15

FINE RECITAL.

Christchurch Orchestral Society.

To thousands of people in Christchurch -the high standard of the work of se-veral of the city’s musical organisations is a source of constant gratification. The Christchurch Orchestral Society, which gave its first concert for the 1934 season in the Radiant Hall last evening, is one of those bodies which have achieved special success during the last few years. . The standard of last night’s recital, in which some great and difficult works were given worthy rendition. augurs well for the society's future. Some of the finest instrumentalists in the city are now members of the orchestra, and their ability and enthusiasm have given Mr Alfred Bunz, the conductor, a congenial task. Mr Bunz's -work, is sound and understanding in every way, and for last night’s performance he, as well as other members of the orchestra, deserves congratulation. The recital opened appropriately with the “ Egmont ” overture, a representative work from Beethoven’s strongest period. The emotional portrayal of this piece makes it outstanding, and also makes a big demand on an orchestra. The orchestra’s treatment was adequate, and that is high praise. The performance was notable for the excellence of the work of the wind and wood wind instruments, as well as the sure treatment of the strings. The overture was followed by ong of Elgar’s best works, the “ Enigma ” variations, in which the strings outline the theme and then follow variations, each one dedicated to one of the composer's friends. Only the second variation and the finale were omitted. Again the work was admirably done. Schubert’s “ Are Maria,” -with Mr 11. Fox playing the solo cornet, a.nd the ballet music from Borodin's “Prince Igor,” completed the first half of the programme. Massenet was well represented with the suite “ Scenes Pittoresques,’' which was given with brilliance and feeling. Dyck’s “Chant de Douleur et D'Amour” and the “ Beautiful Danube.” by Strauss, were not so impressive, but the concert finished on a high note with excellent interpretations of two Elgar works. “Rosemary.” and the “ Pomp and Circumstance *’ march. In memory of Sir Edward Elgar, the audience joined in the singing of “ Band of Hope and Glory.”

The soloist for the evening was Miss Nancy Bowden. Khe was in good voice and sang with real appreciation, her full and colourful contralto being heard to advantage in “ O Love from Thy Tower,” from “Samson and Delilah.” “ Secrecy.” by Hugo Wolf, “ To Music ” (Franz),’ and “Song of the Open” (La Forge).