THE FIRST EXHIBITION CONCERT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXIV, 10 December 1898, Page 753

THE FIRST EXHIBITION CONCERT.

SULLIVAN’S ‘GOLDEN LEGEND.’ If there were no ambitious people in the world, and if over confident enthusiasts were not frequently attempting impossibilities, there would be no progress, and this fact is as true of music as it is of anything else. We do not therefore feel disposed to grumble as much as some have done at the mistake of the executive in attempting the performance of Sullivan’s ‘Golden Legend’ for their first concert. The error was not so much in this as in indulging a tendency to extravagant economy, and instead of engaging tiie best possible artists in the colonies, even though their charges might have proved somewhat heavy, of attempting to manage the tifl'air ‘on the cheap.’ and in short

of neglecting to see the wisdom of throwing out a fine sprat to make a notable catch of herrings. It is whispered that the music coiumitte wen- from the first averse to the selection of the 'Golden Legend.’ but on being assured they could have the best soloists obtainable withdrew opposition, and the work was placed in rehearsal. In line course the names of the only soloists really capable of attempting the music were submitted, and were promptly refused. Other suggestions were made, but were ignored. and finally some soloists were engaged certainly not on the advice of the committee, who were kept in entire ignorance of the whole transaction. Under such somewhat unfortunate circumstances, it was not surprising that an impression got abroad that the performance of the 'Golden Legend' would prove something of a failure, and therefore, it came as a pleasant surprise that the concert, though not the best possible sample of what so musical a city as Auckland ean do on so important an occasion, was yet far beyond what had been expected, ami despite defects thoroughly enjoyable. The work is one of the utmost difficulty, but beautiful beyond description in orchestration. The vocal solos are somewhat severe in character, and the whole composition is one which requires to be heard many times before one can properly appreciate its beauty. An audience never enjoys a heavy work to the full till the music has become familiar, and this is the ease with the 'Golden Legend.’ The prologue is intensely dramatic, and is perhaps in many' ways the finest and most enjoyable portion of a singularly interesting cantata. The chief honours of the performance must be divided between the chorus and Mr I’rouse. who took the splendid part of Lucifer. The chorus did really remarkably well, and the very highest credit is due to Herr Schmitt for the care he must have lavished upon its members in order to have achieved so highly creditable a result.

One doubts if the public ever fully appreciate a truly capable conductor at his true worth. He is to them merely ‘the man with the baton'; they know nothing of the ceaseless toil, the tearing anxiety, and the infinite patience necessary to bring- an amateur choir successfully through such a work as the ‘Golden Legend.' What such a man as Herr Schmitt must suffer at rehearsal baffles description. To return, however, to the concert. The first item given by the chorus was the 'Evening Hymn.' a truly superb number. The ’ chorus, however, did well throughout, and to them was due much of the favourable comment bestowed on the concert. Mr I’rouse, an artist of the highest merit, sang- Lucifer, and no better exponent of the part could lune I found this side of the line. Miss Large is a soprano with an agreeable voice, light in quality, but well trained. Her appearance in less trying roles will be looked forward to with interest and pleasure. Undoubtedly she possesses considerable gifts, but she was overweighted with the part of Elsie. Of Mr Hill, the same may be said. He too sings with knowledge ami correctness. but lacked power to do full justice to the part of I’rinee Henry. Madame Du Rieu. who was cast for the part of Ursula, was afflicted with a heavy influenza cold. She was obliged to retire before her most important solo. But it is only fair to say that had this singer been in perfect health she would have shared the soloist honoins with Mr I’rouse. The orchestra was ably led by Herr WillimotT. That it was weak there can I e no doubt, weaker in numbers than we were led to expect, and unable on several occasions to cope with the difficulties of the music. Herr Zimmermann saved the situation lor the violas on more than one occasion, and did yeoman servic * throughout. He deserves special praise. Undoubtedly too Mr Arthur Towsey at the organ did much to cover defects ami secure the appro bation of the audience. Th«- work was unquestionably well received by the audience, amongst whom were the Government House party, ami if repeated a second time at popular prices the 'Gohlen Legend' will doubtless attract a large audience.