PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1108, 4 March 1871, Page 2

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

This Society wliich has arrived at such-- proportions as to be an institution wliich we AVangamiites may with justice feel proud of, it being the unanimous verdict of many who nave had opportunities of hearing all tlie kindred societies in New Zealand, that, barring Auckland, Wanganui possesses the most efficient Philharmonic Society iv New Zealand, numbering us ifc does vocalists of talent and discrimination, who spare no pains to come before their audience thoroughly an fait in the music they undertake to render, and as a consequence rarely failing to secure a thoroughly intelligent; and appreciative audience. Tiie band of tin? Society is a feature in itself, being composed of musicians of no mean calibre, whose performances never fail to meet with warm and honest approval. We fool it would be slightly out of place to particularise any individual members, but as the concert was a complimentary one for the benefit of their pianiste, wo feel warranted in making a slight digression in her case and adding our quota of praise to that lady for her careful and conscientious rendering of all music placed before her, and "we think Aye are not singular in our judgment that the fair heneficiare" was thoroughly deserving of ibis graceful compliment at the hands of members of the Philharmonic So.icty.

By 8 o'clock, the Odd Fellows' Hall was comfortably filled by a, large and intelligent audience, nnd as Mr Dewar is a man. of punctuality, iv addition to his other good pua.li.ties, the performers came on the stage to time, and saved all that, tramping and other equally distracting noise which is indulged* in at public gatherings when any unpimetuality or hitch arises. The overture from " La Dame Jilunehe," by the band, was a genuine treat which wc were hardly prepared for. as it outshone all their previous efforts, and we hope avc shall have many such treats now the Society is in such a nourishing condition. The glee "Arc the AVhite Hours for ever Fled" was rendered Avith precision and spirit, the result of careful practice. j Poor TaunuhilTs exquisite ballad "Gloomy !'Winter 's noo Awa" found a thoroughly competent aud congenial exponent iii the gentleman Avho sang it last .night. Wc. haA-e heard this member of tho^Socicty on many occasions, a,ndncA rer Avithout pleasure, as .bis" voice is one of great purity, and his maimer devoid of any tinge of rant or roaring wliich mars many a good voice by its grating effect on eye and car. AYe were truly sorry for the young ladies who essayed the duct " The Breezes from the shore," as it Avas painfully CAident they had not had the requisite practice to render this piece of music as we feel sure they could under more favorable circumstances. "La Nurska" Avaltz, by the band, was very- suggestive of the poetry of motion,, and many a fail- cue voted it a pity such a delightful Avaltz should Avant its finishing touch ! "Fair Flora Decks" avus a little treat to the lovers of good part singing, .-is the three gentlemen who undertook it earned a Avell merited applause. Commend us to " Alas ! TJioic Chimes," which, perhaps from old associations it may be, is a great favourite Avith us. It, quite came up to our expectations and avus warmly encored, but the conductor asked the indulgence of tlie audience as the programme Avas A-cry lengthy and would make it late before it could be got through without repetitions. Fantasia ou airs from Eruiini by the Comet aud Pianiste avus a very creditable effort. The concluding chorus in the first part, " Norma Cometh," went off spiritedly. The reels and strathspeys Avhich concluded tbe first part of the programme must have been put in for the special delectation of our .worthy Scotch, friends, Avho seemed to enjoy I hem thoroughly.

In the second part, the band again scored a, success in the overture from " Tra, Diavohv' The " Arab's FareAveir avc have usually been accustomed fo boar by a, male voice, but tlie lady who sang it desei-red the applause which. followed its conclusion. AYe Avere greatly pleased Avith tlie " Forester's Roundelay," many parts being of mo.ro •ban ordinary merit, and very creditably rendered. Tim soprano solo, and the duet, " Oh.! avlio woidd (iy from joys like these?" wero well sang, tlie latter being exceptionally good.. The Gj-psy Quadrilles Avere livoly unci amusing. Henry llussell's " Ai'mnac" is a song avc honestly confess to having a great dislike to, on tho same ground as that avo entertain toAA-ards ihe drama of "The I'M ranger," for if the song is well sung, it is 'anything but inspiriting, to say nothing of the iiicoiigruify of giving it the proper action An a "soiled coat," Avhich

adds a Utile of the ludicrous to Avimt is intended io bo a harroAving description of a madman's torture; 'therefore avc cannot say Aye enjoyed it, nor do Aye sec lioav any one could enjoy such a song; one could enjoy an 'execution just about as much, and the Ia.AY has

Avisely ' ordgfedfe tlie latter oiit of the *j public sightv'^Wc heartily' Avish the "Maniac" a similar privacy. Injustice to the gentleman who sang it, we must say he succeeded in making us thoroughly miserable fbr a few minutes, which is-no small compliment, avc conceive; but wo would have -preferred to hear him in some other song more suitable to the occasion. Perhaps Aye arc singular in this wish, as. he received loiig and sustained applause, and " tho^M battle of the encores" came near heiv^^T fought between the performers and th«^^audienco, as the latter vociferously demanded the encore, whilst the eorductor, acting we believe under the instructions of the Society, -firmly declined to lengthen the performance be- - yond its already extended limits by alloAving an encore. However, order was restored, nnd tho audience listened patiently to the " Alarch of the Men of Harlech." A ii«fce solo, and the chorus "Now Tramp o'er Moss and' Eell," finished off by the National Anthem, concluded what we think may fairly bo called a most successful concert. A\ re wish the Society every success, and hope soon to have the pleasure of attending another concert under its auspices.