The STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 334, 17 December 1896, Page 10

The STAGE

[By

Orpheus.]

The Orchestral Union gave an interesting concert last Thursday evening, and I was much amused a( the conflict of criticism evoked. There is no doubt the brass was rather too prominent at times —a coL>nial fault which the best of conductors can with difficulty restrain. The oboe was excellent, in fact the wood-wind generally, except that the bassoon might have been more emphatic at times. The violincellos were hardworked and for the most part efficient, though just musical expression can still be aimed at by them. The first violins are ably led and did very fairly; the second violins can improve. The drum —or combination of sounds which come to the lot of a good drummer to produce —seldom obtains praise, but, I think, deserves a share. “ Ungarische Lustspiel” is always an attractive item, and was well rendered. Miss Tilly sings very creditably ; “ Good-bye” and “ Bid Me to Love” were her songs ; the latter was deservedly applauded; it suits her voice and manner admirably. The “ Lenore” symphony demands more practice ; the second violins were a little astray. In “Moses in Egypt” the orchestra evidently took a lively interest in the work ; the cornet and euphonium were at their best; the wood-wind did well; the flute might be rather more steady with advantage. Mr G. M. Reid usually selects good'songs ; I do not think “ Love in the Rain” is equal to his standard. The concert suite by German was very successful; the orchestra played these items with perfect ability; the oboe deserves special praise. The “Invitation a la Valse” wants more practice in particular passages ; the conversational introduction should admit of better rendering by an orchestra than on the pianoforte, for which this work was written. I found fault with that and with the “ Allegro Vivace.” “ The Language of Flowers” suite was most admirably interpreted ; I think this suite proved what the Orchestral Union can do when they all work unanimously for effects which they thoroughly grasp. The “ Lenore” symphony and “ Tempo di Marcia” terminated a good and enjoyable concert.

The Auckland Banjo, Guitar, and Mandolin Club. —At the City Hall, on Monday evening, the club, which is becoming a popular favourite, gave a charming entertainment. Successful efforts to please the eyes as well as the ears of the audience met with great approbation. The stage decoration was very tasteful. Mr E. Burke will make these instrumentalists welcome always if be can continue to obtain so good* a selection of music specially adapted for this class of performance. I would suggest that some of the members would do well to introduce the zither also at these concerts. The overture was applauded, and the audience evidently thought they had come there to enjoy themselves and would not be disappointed. The marches and waltzes, which followed at intervals, were all well received. The tubephone duet, by Messrs Brown and Foster, was a novel item and took well. The songs were all appreciated. Mr Birdie Butler was heartily received, and also Mrs Everard. Mr Wynyard Joss, is a highly competent performer on the mandolin, and “ Scotia,” played by him in conjunction with Mr G. Rowe (mandolin), Mr H. Fountain (banjo), and Messrs A. Foster and P. Fernandez (guitars), gave him an opportunity of showing his skill in concerted music. He also gave “ The Club March,” composed by himself, on the mandolin, with accompaniment on the banjo by Mr H. Fountain; this item was very successful. “ The Chinaman,” a comic character song by Mr Brown, amused the audience considerably. Altogether the original tone created by the club’s special instrumentalism is a pleasing change from the general programmes of concerts, and I look forward hopefully to hearing them when they again favour the public with an enter t ainment.

Opera House.—“ The Broad Arrow” received a good interpretation from Mr Woods’ company. I have only to say this much, in regard to the manner in which the class of sensational drama produced so far has been staged and acted, that the faults are to be imputed to the writers of these plays, and that if the taste of the public tended another way the actors who are now appearing before them are competent to represent sound drama and comedy. They are doing their best —and far better than some we know—to please the public, and have the capacity to act with even more zest in high-class drama, if it would take. They certainly make the most off what they have in hand, and give a polish to sensational mutter wishout any vulgar gag. I am sorry the elements inside the theatre cast too much cold water on the intended performance of “ Called to Arms” on Monday night, but I fully expect the audiences will be larger than they would otherwise have been, because there could be no surer guarantee of the realistic nature of the representation. It will not consist of supernumeraries agitating canvas to simulate the angry billows.

On dit that Sims Reeves is really coming to New Zealand with his young family.

The meeting of the French Literary Society* on Thursday evening last, was a satisfactory termination <>f this year’s sittings- The society will recommence its instructive assemblies on Thursday evening, 28th January, 1897, at the Y M.O.A. rooms. The last programme for this year was diverse and interesting. The president (M. de

Montalk) conferred a medal, received; from the Alliance Francaise in Paris,.on Miss Macpherson, who recently.attained the maximum percentage for proficiency in French. Dr Laishl.eyv.eacM> sketch in French of his interview with President Grevy. .-.The Misses Peacocke and Judith de Montalk gave a scene from “ Betrand et Raton,” Scribe’s great drama bn the subject of the career of Struensee. Mr Seth Smith read his translation in French of one of the amusing dialogues of Erasmus. Madame Gasquelle and M. de Montalk pleased their auditors with a rendering of the humorous scene from Moliere’s “Tartufl;e,” and Madame Gasquelle charmingly read the inimitable philosophical lesson to M. Jourdain from “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme,” by the same dramatist. The president gave a poetical extract from A. de Musset. Mr M. R. Keesing read a selection from “ La Mere de la Marquise,” by Edmond About, the humor of which was greatly appreciated. The secretaryship was delegated to Mr M. R. Keesing, Mr W. J. Napier’s illness having precluded him from attendance. All interested in French should enrol for the coming year.