NIGHT OF GOOD MUSIC.

Wairarapa Age, 7 October 1936, Page 5

NIGHT OF GOOD MUSIC.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT LARGELY ATTENDED. SPLENDID PERFORMANCE WELL RECEIVED. A happy choice was made in the programme presented by the Masterton Orchestra in the Municipal Hall last night and the large audience was unusually enthusiastic, so much so that it could not restrain itself and refrain from applauding between the numbers forming an orchestral suite. A feature of the programme was the prominence given to the works of the more modern composers. The soloists, Miss Nita Ingley, Miss M. Holmwood and Mr. T. T. Redman, contributed in no small measure to a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment of Sbng and instrumental music. Once again, the conductor of the orchestra, Mr. J. Candy, has every reason to be gratified at the success he and his orchestra achieved.

The orchestra opened the programme with one of Amber’s delightfully refreshing overtures r4 Fra Diavolo,” which, starting with the distant roll of drums, soon meandered into a tuneful melody that was a treat to hear and ended in a rollicking finish. Two compositions of Percy Grainger, an Australian who has made a name for himself in the musical world, 44 Lord Peter’s Stable Boy” and 44 Handel in the Strand” were both refreshing as good examples of modern works. The score of “Handel in the Strand 7 * was presented to the society by Mrs J. P. Perry. Another modern selection, a suite of Eric Coates, 44 Summer Days” was brimful of everything beautiful associated with a country ramble along lane and lakeside, and ending with fun and frolic at a dance. The music for this suite was presented by Mr. H. G. Groves and that for the following number 44 St. Agnes’ Eve” (Coleridge-Tay-lor) by Mr. W. G. Groves. The latter suite was written as incidental music to the play and its orchestral colouring was well interpreted. Two little tone poems of Jarnfeldt 44 Berceuse” and “Preludium” were greatly enjoyed, the first for its simple flowing melody and the second for its lively, irrepressible theme in an unusual setting. The orchestra’s contribution concluded with a selection from the compositions of Tchaikowsky, containing many of the more popular aira of this famous Russian musician.

Miss Ingley was in fine voice. In the first half of the programme she delighted the audience with 4 4 Love and Music” from Puccini’s 44 La Tosca” and as an encore sang a dainty little trifle “The Flutes of Arcady.” She scored another success in 4 4 Mother, you Know the Story,” a pathetic air from Mascagni’s 4 4 Cavalleria Rusticana. ’ ’ As an encore she gave a bright, lilting little song “Canzone” (Verdi). One of the principal events of the evening was Beethoven’s second concerto for pianoforte and orchestra, the first movement of which was played by Miss Holmwood and the orchestra. Miss Holmwood handled all the intricacies of the score with the aptitude and artistry of an accomplished player and the audience was quick to recognise her highly meritorious performance and also that of the orchestra. An encore was demanded and the performers responded with a mazurka “Maschka” (Helmund). The other soloist, Mr. Redman, captivated the audience with his solo flute passages in the 4 4 Carnival de Venice” (Briccialdi), played with orchestral accompaniment and as an encore gave another very beautiful piece, “The Butterfly” (Bendix). Misses Ingley and Holmwood and the lady members of the orchestra were the recipients of -bouquets, one of those received' by Miss Holmwood being a sheaf of tulips from the Masterton Orchestral Society in appreciation of her services.