THE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20097, 28 November 1930, Page 20

THE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY.

AN INTERESTING CONCERT.

Last night, at the Radian Hall, the Orchestral Society presented, under Professor Savini's direction, their third programme of the present year. Ambitiously, like the Musical Society, they would include the work of another local composer, Mr R. A. Homo's "In Mcmoriam" dedication. Air Home is one of those resolute men oi' talent, who make their way from simple beginnings up to the indicate forms of composition. As a iv-eling remembrance in honour of on© oi' t*e most musical families of Christehurch, the Bonningtons, Mr George Bonnington in particular, it is as appropriate as it is appealing. The initial (solemn, theme, with its soaring modulations, supported by step-like rhythms, aptly indicates the purpose. Ihe melodiously soothing theme tollowing is most grateful. -Mr Arthur Lilly orchestrated the work with skill. The lino ''Allegro anil Finale'' Irom Mendelssohn's Scotch Symphony, inspired by a visit to Scotland, was brought to a spirited hearing under Signer Savini's urging imd expert guidance. One of the most weird and fantastic pieces ever penned is SaintSaens's "Danse Macabre," Mini yet, just for that reason it survives and retains its admirers. "Much of it is just bearable by the skill of the instrumentalists most, prominent. Of real beauty not much can be found. Mr G. R. Mt>on was the soloist.. The charming overture to Nioolai's "Merry Wives of Windsor" came after it as a relief, apparently foifc also b,v the performers, who followed the l>eat w?th moro precision than in some of the previous movements. Also there were displayed more tonal variations, and that is, by the way, -where in tho future the progress of the orchestra lies. Most interesting and enjoyable was McDowell's suite of "Sea l'ieccs," admirably conceived and orchestraHy made effective by the gifted author, whose premature death is still justly lamented. A pleasing .selection from Puccini's "Madame llur.terfl.N given with n fine breadth in the finale, and Coleridge-Taylor's ".Military March" from Otcllo, that completed tlio programme, call for 110 other new comment. Mr .1. H. Riordan acted as leader of tho orchestra. As vocalist, Mr W Toomey had chosen a Massenet aria, "0 Promise of a Joy I>ivine," and in the later part, songs by Herman Lohr and Voerji, showing himself gifted with an exceptionally rich and far-carrying voice, most admired in "Inter Xos" and in the "Indian Serenade," and less where quite unnecessary force is hcinz used. He was well accompanied by Miss K. Hugh son. The audience very warmly applauded the orchestra and soloist