NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIII, Issue 15000, 23 February 1899, Page 3

NOTES.

Both the Standard and the Times pub- " lish a detailed criticism of the playing of — the different -bands in the test selections.

Of the Wellington Garrison Band, "Mu-. sicus," in the Times, says: "Anticipation hid aroused much eagerness to hear tkL-c band, and it is not saying too much that tiieir performance was . really good. Amongst capable musicians "musical but-, iering" is distasteful, but as it will i*f--ford aii'exanjple to draw attention of ths other bands to, we will briefly notice each movement. The allegro was crisply and evenly played, the repeat bars specially. The chord opening the andante effectively led up, as it were, to the cornet solo, which was artistically rendered. The tone ■was good and ttue. la the fourth bar fiom the end it would be difficult to form a correct opinion as to whether tho notes . composing the third beat were played as triplets or not. The allegretto was evenly played, both the soloists (the cornet and euphonium) doing splendid work. The two bars before the pause at letter D appeared 'to be -hurried. This should not be. It is, however, from the nature of these bars very difficult not to slightly accelerate the tempo. The cornet solo and the accom- . paniment. were delicious. It is specially to this point advisable to draw the at- .. tention of., the younger bandsmen, as in many cases the accompaniment becomes the solo. The recitative was the only weak point in Mr. Hood's interpretation. This movement has already been referred to. The andante con moto *vas again as good as could be wished for. Every, care and much thought must have been given to this piece. .The march wound up a grand -performance." The same writer, speaking of the Wanganui Baud, says:— The. Wanganui Garrison was one of the best bands, and would have run into a better place "if"— this little word makes all the difference. Now what is this particular if ? It is that, if the euphonium had not given the band ,away, the result would have been very different The cornet player in this band is without doubt the best confet player in the contest. His tone is clear, pure, and true. His execution, what little he had ; to do, was clean, and his phasing good. ,No hurry and no^flurry. It is an excel.lent band; but under the circumstances, must suffer." The Standard critic, in. referring to our Band, says :— " Much has been heard about this band's performances, and the opening movements justified the good opinions. The various sections were given with fine conception, accompaniments were subdued, and expression good. Th>. cornets were exceptionally pleasing in the derided command and finiblied style The solo m the andante — euphonium — no doubt froni nervousness, suffered somewhat; the f f were jiawei'fiil. The:' whole performance was good." The Waihi Band, which it is expected will be placed well up, is thus referred to in l}ie .Standard:— "The reputation, pre- ■ ceding this band caused great expectations — rior were the audience disappointed. The movement were decidedly broad, fine balance of tone, and good time. The 'ad lib' for cornet received a different rendering, but withal artistic. The solos were tieated smoothly, the legato parts being delicate. The recitative was accorded au intense dramatic fervour. The andante and allegro vas richly given, fine wealth of • style, in the fh-al movement, grand sopra- • no - passages, ■ and excellent treatment throughout." The Palmerston Band receives the following mention in the Standard: — "Much • interest was noticeable amongst the audince as to the way ' our ' band would acquit themselves, and having to follow such a tine performance it became doubly critical. The opening movement lacked fire and ;lnimation, but after leaving this part, more soul was displayed. Much care, finish, iin.d tone was in evidence in the andante movement. The allegretto received, an fexeellent rendering, going smoothly 'with Uujbh. The euphonium solo was artistic. The final, allegro was decidedly good, and the •vrHole. performance was well received."