PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1480, 1 July 1912, Page 2

PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA.

"With praiseworthy courage (ho Wellington rroiessiomil Orchestra, which, under the baton oi' Mr. Herbert Bloy, is doing; remarkably good work, essayed at last evening's concert in' the Town Hall the performance of Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony," that magnificent tragedy in music whjch, though but a fragment, has helped to shed lustre on the name of its great composer. To those Hint know the intricacies, temperamental as well as technical, of this thrillingly impressive composition, tho performance, was really surprisingly good, to good in-, deed that it held the largo audience enthralled from the ominous opening by tho bass strings to the poignant grandeur which marks tho splendidly emotional final passage. It was quite to be expected that such a competent orchestra would "get through" (ho "Unfinished," but what was not exactly anticipated was tho • fine- shading! alii",-'deep, meaning with which-they , : fhVSstwl it. Tho strings were bowed in fine accord, the wood-winds, save for a fUslriiWWH*?aA n « th S<P tt , rt the solo obifc/'wcre'-'deliglittul, the 'cell; and bassos were solid and reliable, and tho brass was excellent. An innovation was made by giving the important Irench horn parts to muffled cornets in tho absence of reliable players. Of course, nothing can be substituted with entire success for this difficult instrument, but the effect produced last evening was good. The toiio was soft and mellow, and perfect tune was obtained. The _ gracefully melodious theme which illumines tho second movement—Riven out initially by tho clarinet, caught up by the oboe, and passed on to the flu to and strings-was a delightful bit of finished playing- which ■reflected (he sincerity and ability of the entire orchestra. It is not otten that lovers of this class of music are permitted to hear this richly-coloured gem in symphonic music, and it is desired that the Orchestra will repeat it again during tho present season. Rubinstein, another giant of melody, 'though of a less heroio mould,; wasrepresented by his pleasant rhythmical 1 rot dc Cavalleric," 1 a composition of musical snap and jingle, which sets the blood going merrily. Locoinbe s Aubade Pnntoniere" (last played hero by Sousas Band), is a catchy number (hat was played very prettily, if rather slowK- Harvorsen's ''March du Boyards" (lent by the.' Wnngauui Orchestral Society), and played for the first time in Wellington, is a lively march, packed with quaint etfects. and eccentric instrumental combinations which give it a somewhat humorous character. It was spiritedly played and was very popular with the audience. Tho overture to Weber s "Oberon," also well played, brought the concert to a close.