THE BAND CONTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 38, 14 February 1905, Page 2

THE BAND CONTEST.

SECOND DAY. The Xorth Island Brass Band AssociaI tion's eighth annual contest was resumi ed this morning in His Majesty's The- \ atre, to-day's programme being the BB I Flat Ba=.=, G Flugel Horn j solos during the day. and the first of I the test selections'to-night. For the j general public the most interesting part of the contest is the great band competition, and it is therefore anticipated : that a great crowd ■will attend the eon- ! tesT to-night. The booking is very good j up to the time of writing, and such a I large number of people are expected ! that the committee has been compelled to advance the prices of admission on the band performance nights by sixpence all round in order to avoid inordinately and uncomfortably crowding the theatre. The test piece to be played in His Majesty's Theatre to-night by the fourteen bands competing is J. Ord Hume's arrangement of Bellini's beautiful opera "Iα Straniera." On Friday next will be played the other test piece, "Gems of Mendelssohn." a beautiful arrangement by Charles Godfrey, said to be the most difficult test ever submitted to the colonial bands. Yesterday afternoon ana evening was devoted to the E Flat Bass and B Fiat I Euphonium solos. The former was not • a very brilliant series of solos, and the judge (Mr King) was rather disappointed. The latter produced some really fine playing, and not a solo amongst the lot was de+oid of interest. Collectively, the soloists were a creditable body, and the judge was very pleased with them. Mr King said that he had great difficulty in discriminating between the men, but he had no hesitation in giving the maximum points (121) to T. Gray, of Wanganui Garrison Band. The announcement was received with a "shout of delight from a large section of the audience, which was principally composed of critical bandsmen. The judge said that he had heard a great many euphonium players in his experience, and he bad never heard a better player than Gray — he was a splendid artist. The judge had no hesitation in awarding tie second place to J. O'Brien, of the Kaikorai Band. who got 110 points. He played his solo extremely well, and there were some, experts who expected he would get the pride of place, but the judge considered that he lacked the warmth and finish of G-ray. The excellence of the performance of the competitors as a •whole is shown by the fact that out of a maximum of 121 the lowest man got SS points. Although the judge was disappointed with the E Flat Bass soloists, still the competitors were very close together and fairly high. The maxipium was 120, and though the winner scored only 104. the lowest man got SS. The judge's comments on each player are appended below: T. FLAT BASS SOLOS. H. Calkin (First Battalion. Auckland). 104 marks 1 W. P. Cougbiau (Kaikorai), 100 mark's * S. Signal (Wanganui Garrison), 100 marks • Following are the judge's remarks on those competitors as placed: H. Calkin (First Battalion, Auckland ). "•Ponderous." 104 marks, winner of first prize-: A cstrefal player, producing good tone. Some notes inclined to have slightly cracked tone, but not sufficient to seriously impair the performance in any way. Solo very creditably interpreted. W. P. Cooghlan (Kaikorai). "Ponderous. " 100 marks, tied for second prize. A fsirlv good rendition of this solo. Tone peculiar on lower register. Reading fairly good. 8. Signal (Wanganui Garrison). "Wiederkehr." 100 marks, tied for second prize. A careful rendering of a none too easy solo for a bass instrument. Staccato notes well done in some instances, but occasional lapses. Tone very fair, but the player is inclined to use the vibrato or tremolo effect on sustained notes, which, of course, should be avoided. Finn, true notes are desirable. Vibrato is a mistaken expression effect. D. Gilbert (First Battalion. Auckland), "The Hardy Norseman." 08marks: A careful player, who, however, does not sufficiently observe the accent marks. A useful bandsman. X. Brown (Waihi Federal). "Ponderous," 96 marks: Somewhat coarse in general rendering. Not equal to several other solo efforts. T. Smith (Wailri Federal!, "Ision," 92 marks: A very moderate performance, calling for study on the player's part. P. Johnston (Wellington £Jarrison), '"Ponderous," 92 marks. A moderate rendering only of this solo. Wants a lot of study to make it effective. B. Gunner (Kaikorai), "Air Varie."' 92 marks: A moderate performance only. The solo was a little too heavy in character. J. J. Hutchins (Roahine Battalion), "The Hardy Norseman." !>2 marks: A fair performance only, lacking in character. Wants a god deal of general improvement to compete successfully in solo contests. •F. Hunter (Auckland Garrison), "The Hardy Norseman," 90 marks: A somewhat tame rendering. There was no variety in tonal power, and the piano and fortissimo effects were nrocb the same. Light and shade are wanted, and,.for a bass, more power. A careful player, but wants to assert himself more. S. Geary (Wellington Garrison), "Pilgrim of Love," 88 marks: Too subdued altogether, and a sameness characterising the whole performance. Wants more life and fuller body of tone. B FLAT EUPHONIUM SOLOS. T. Gray (Wanganni Garrison), 120 marks (maximum) 1 J. O'Brien (Kaikorai), 110 marks... 2 J. A. Donaldson (Wellington Garrison) , 106 marks * E. Whittle (First Battalion. Auckland) . 106 marks . . * The judge's remarks upon the competitors were as follows: T. Gray (Wanganui Garrison), winner of first prize. "Songbirds of the Thuringer Wood/ maximum (120) marks: A real artist on the euphonium. The finest performance I have ever heard on this instrument. I have no hesitation in giving the maximum points for so delightful a rendering of this difficult solo. J. O'Brien (Kaikorai), winner of sec- ! ond prize. "Songbirds of the Thuringer Wood," 110 marks: A splendid effort. A sure player, who enters into his task with care and intelligence. Well read from beginning to end. J. A. Donaldson (Wellington Garrison), tied for third place. "Aid Varie," 106 marks: A very difficult solo, with much pedal work; not as a rule attempted in solo contests. Expression very good in parts. E. Whittle (First Battalion, Auckland), tied for third place. "The Gipsy's

Warning," 106 marks: A capital performance, just falling ehort of that of J. J. O'Brien, whilst J. A. Donaldson was equal in merit, as both had their good points. G. McDonald (Taranaki Garrison). "'The Gipsy's Warning," 102 marks. A very creditably-rendered solo; somewhat boisterous at times. The theme was not quite in keeping with the spirit of the v.eil-known song. J. Newdick (Waihi Federal). "Cavatina,'" 100 marks: A strong-toned player. wbo does not sirfficiently observe, the nuances. Gives promise, but wants refinement. W. White (Hastings): "Good-bye. Sweetheart." 9S mark?: A fair performance. Rather too much wisdy tone. A. Artingstall (Auckland Garrison). "On the Banks of Allan Water," 94 marks: A fair performance, but not up to solo contest standard. W. Birch (Devonport). "Robin Aclair," 93 marks: Also a moderate soloist. Not quite up to. contest standard, but would do much better by judicious practice. W. McCastril] (Gisborne City). "Pretty Jane," 90 marks: Too erratic in time, and many passages misread. Tempo in several instances too slow, and a striving after effect which failed. A fair player, who would do well if he analysed bis solo to advantage. C. Bater (Auckland Garrison). '"I Dreamt That I Dw't," etc, 98 marks: A very moderate performance, and compares badly with the previous player (T. Gray, the winner). BB FLAT BASS. The BB flat bass solos were played this morning, and the judge (Mr King; was very pleased with the work done. He complimented them all, and said they were considerably better than their brothers of the E liat basses. He had. how : ever, an easy task in picking tn% winner, No. 4, who well deserved first place, being a splendid player. No. 4 was T. Hughes, of the Taranaki Band. Append-sd are the results and the judge's comment:— T. Hughes. Taranaki Garrison, "Schmischt." 114 points, 1. C. Bartley. Devonport. "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," 108 points* R. Chisholm, Kaikorai, "Les Bluets,' , 103 points/ T. Hughes, Taranaki Garrison. "Sehnnseht.' - 114 points: A brilliant executant and one who imparts feeling into his general work. A splendid tone. Altogether o»e of the very best'performances 1 have heard on this difficult mentC. Bartley, Devonporl. "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep." 10S points: A careful executant, who plays a suitable solo, and due consideration given to its requirements. I should say this soloist is a capitally-steady band instrumentalist. R. Chishohu (Kai!cor:>.a), "Les Bluets,'' 108 points: A good performance in all respects; not so b-il!iant a? No. 4 player, but equal with No. 3. Both of /these instrumentalists played with, c-are and intelligence. H. Rood (Auckland Garrison). "Long. Long Ago." 102 points: An even perfonniiiicp. without showing any striking features. Not equal in tnprit to ?ome other soloists, but nevertheless a good bandsman, I opine. J. Rowe (Hauraki). "Les Bluets/ , 100 points. This player is evidently fond of variations, and those in the solo "Les Bluets'' were very creditably managed for .so difficult an instrument as thf double B. A tendency to hurry over some semiquaver passages. •f. Sim:- (Waneanui Garrison). '"Ponderous," ot> points: A fair band porforcner. but finds n difficulty in grappling with variations. Wants to throw more coloirr into general effects: does not sufficiently give attention to detail in observing the expression marks. Has a good tone, but on the qniet side. W. Steer (Waihi Federal). "Ixion," 96 points: Rather a mechanical player. Does not observe the nuances at all, bnt is careful. Wants to devote considerable study to this pood solo to do it justice. BASS TROMBONES. The competition for the G tromboee medals produced only fair playiug. The judge said that the soloists were not up to the mark at all. with the exception.of one player. He would have had no hesitation in giving the first place to on§ player if that player hod given him more work, but it was not right to give the prize to a man who played merely a simple piece which did not call for any special dexterity. This, said the judge, showed the advisability of baviDg- test selections for the solo "competitions as well as the bands. (Applause.) It was not fair that the judge should be expected to gauge whether a man was doing his best on the piece he himself selected. (Applause.) Jn regard to the case before him. a competition was a competition, and a man should be able to give some display on his instrument. Consequently he 'gave the prize to No. 3—A. Handlcy. of faranaki Garrison. The results and the jUGge's comment are appended: — A. Handley, Tara-naki Garrison. "Witt Te So Come Back Again," 102 points. 1. James Cumming, Dennisi.on. '•"Village Blacksmith," 101 points. 2. ° B°?d. Wangamri Garrison. "The Wolf." 98 points, 3. A. Handley, Taranald Garrison: "WiV le No Come Back Again/ 102 pointsA much brighter effort than No 2 the previous player, but lacking j n refinement, especially towards the end. which was of a boisterous nature, and many of the notes were cracked. Ton* "enerally on the light side. More like a'tcnor trombone, but good. James Cummings. Denniston. '"The Village Blacksmith." • 101 points.—This piece was rather short and did not °ive the soloist sufficient scope. Tone °and intonation were really good, and there was ranch to admire in expression. Had there been more opportunity this player might easily have succeeded. ' ' TTT G «,?? yd ' Wan ganui Garrison. Wolf. 98 points.-Not a bad performer, but not so rich in tone as the previons player (Cummings). atfd inclined to be a little spasmodic. Many of the crescendo and diminuendo effects were Jacking in essential features, and towards the closs there were some cracked notes. W. Bevin. Kaikorai, "Zenobia," 94 points.—A deeper-toned performer than previous player (Handley). who shows steady work in places, bnt i s no executant. E. A. HeaJy, Auckland Garrison. "Zenobia," 92 points.—Only a moderate trombone performer. Tone Licking, and many fundamental faults. Would advise earnest practice if progress is to be made. R. Wood. Waihi Federal, "Romanza and Polacca." 84 points.—This performance was hardly up to initial requirements to warrant a player en< T a<nnf in solo contests. However, my advice" is to persevere on approved "lines, when improvement may be expected. The following remarks were omitted from our report yesterday: H. Flatt (Taranald Garrison), .The! Thonn, , ' 94 mark 3: Failed as other 3 in j not imparting sufficient character Times generally too slow. Made the selection dreary. Shouid endeavour to brighten

up the solo more. Last variation, towards end, included some wrong notes. Triple tongning not clear enough. Phi stretto should have been mare more of. No difj ference bet-ween staccato and ordinary method of tonguing. A. Leatham ( First Battalion, Newton), ■■Weidsenka," Sβ marks. Suffered like others. Training in fundamental principles advised. Should brighten up solo instead of imparting a sameness to it. A. Martin (Wangamri Garrison). ''The Thorn."' 112 miarks-: —Beautiful tone. General style excellent. Executive ability particularly good. Triple tongfluing very neatly done. Due ob- i servsno of staccato Snd mezzo staccato. Had lobe penalised for Andante Sosteoutb, which was too slow. A few faults, trivial ones. General rendering very good indeed. P. Dixon (Wellington Garrison), "Klange Aus Steiermark," 10S marks. — Played with much taste. In Cantabile rather vigorous. Opening cadenza was weakest part of whole rendering. Further on not so neat as could be wished. Excelled in general work. Unfortunate in missing B flat in adagio, otherwise played beautifully. Allegro rather rushed by piano. The notes weTe got in. but ,the soloist was rushed. Piano rather loud—especially in piajio parts —and inclined to hurry player on, to his detriment. Owing to a few shortcomings, previous player preferable. 'Sjus performance, however, was a most creditable one. The following players withdrew their nominations:—G. A. Duncan. Wellington Garrison; A. Smith, Auckland Garrison: T. McCristell. Dennistcn; K. May, Hastings; and T. Flynn, Hawera Borough.

TO-MORROTfS PROGRAMME.

Wednesday is to be a great day with thr- bandsmen. In the morning there will be the B flat, bass solos, and in the afternoon there will be a- great garden party in the Domain, commencing at haif-past one. The Mayor of Auckland will officially welcome to Auckland the judge (Mr W. S. King), and the visiting bands on their arrival at the Domain, and will show thereby his recognition of the importance and interest appertaining to this the first band contest held in Auckland. The bands will play a fine proprramme of music, including the following pieces:— "Martha Hill."" Waihi Federal: "North Star. , " March. Wellington Garrison: '"Arizona." Cake Walk, Auckland Garrison; Selection. Denniston: "University March." Devonport: "With Sword and Lance." Hauraki; "Song of Love Serenade." Taranaki Garrison; "Bandi-tmstri'-ihe"' (G. B. Laidlow'i. Kaikorai; "Springs Awakening" (Bach). Ruahine Battalion: "8.8. and C.F»" March, Ist Battalion: "8.8. and C.F.."' March. Hastings: '"Annexation," March, Wanganiri Garrison: "Maid of Honour" (Balfe). Impey's City: '■ChalloiHrp." March, Gisborne City. After that programme is finished, the whole of the fourteen bands will play tog-ether th;great band selection "20th Century." under the baton of Mr King, the judge. Afternoon tea will be provided for the bandsmen by their lady friends in Auckland, and refreshments for the general public will be obtainable on the ground. In the evening another interesting competition will be held in the Theatre—the quartettes and trios. In the quartettes there are 22 entries, and in the trios 11. THE MARCHING CONTENT. The great, marching contest, in which bandsmen and public both take nearly as much interest as in the purely musical tests, will be held on Saturday next at the Domain. The prizes are £75. £.T5, £15. and £10 in that order, besides which a gold medal falls to the drum-major of the band which scores most points in the military subjects. The test piece is J. Ord Hume's fine march "The Victor's Return." The points gained in this contest count as we]] for the great Besom Shield, now held for general excellence by the Kaikorai Band. The Auckland Garrison band competing for the first time at the North Island contest last year, came 7th. and the Auckland BattaJion came Oth in this marching contest. It is a complicated performance, the military evolutions required are very puzzling, and the exigencies of time and other musical conditions makr* the test ve,ry searching. interesting sidecompetition after the marching -will be thai for the dra-imners. big drum, and side-drum. After the competition is over the massed bands play "The Victor's Return" under the ba/ton of Mr King, and the oontest will then end.