MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1504, 29 July 1912, Page 7

MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA.

, . A SPLENDID .CONCERT. : Wellington is exceedingly fortunate in tho possession of the Wellington Professional Orchestra. Its concerts during the present season have, without exception been thoroughly delightful, and each'one sees finer degree of musical finish and artistic polish than its predecessor. Judged on its performance last' evening, which was listened to by an audience • which must have approximated 30Q0 people, tho orchestra was one which would be welcomed and appreciated in many centres a good deal larger than Wellington. It has. advantages, too, over other similar bodies in that its members are almost nil accomplished professionals , who know their business, and who, under the able conductorship of Mr. Herbert Bloy, work most enthusiastically. Last evening's pro-: gramme was a rich treat to those athirst for good orchestral music, and the performance was thoroughly artistic. A really admirable interpretation of the "Tannhauser" overture was given for the numerical strength of the orchestra. Wagner is so all demanding that one would like to hear a band three times as big as the Professional Orchestra in such gloriously Homeric musio, but even with the 3*5 pieces'at his disposal, Mr. Bloy simply did wonders. He is fortunate in having a fine body of strings (led by Mr. John I?. Woodward), which played tho difficult venusberg musio with great .verve and unanimity, and even in the. most delicate passages and intricate harmonies, which lend to the music, that dazzling opalescence in colour and ethereal lightness in tone, the playing was perfect. And against this shimmering background the brass depicted tho impressive chant of' the pilgrims. . Herr Wagner illustrates, in master strokes his powers as a tone, col-j ourist, expressing by form and contrast the influences that beset the wayward Tannhauser. 'Another number of great charm and consequence was Elgar's concert .piece. "Serenade Lyrique" (loaned by the Wanganui Orchestral Society), heard for tho first time in Wellington. Jt is a perfcct gem of its class, rich in beautiful melodies of the cool, placid order, most exquisitely orchestrated. The trio for wood winds—clarinet, oboe, and flute —"Dreigesprach" (Val Hanim), played with orchestral accompaniment by Messrs. H. Moschini, L. Cohen, and A. P. Truda, proved to be a bright rhythmical number which tickles tho ear delightfully. The soloists acquitted themselves admirably. The incidental dance music to Edward German's opera, "Nell Gwynn," consisting of three dances, completely captivated the big audicncc. Each movement tingles' with the spirit of the fiance, and there was abundant vitality in tho rendition. The familiar "Cornelius March" of Mendelssohn was aLso included , in the program mfl, and was marked by some pretty shading. On the whole the performance was of a character which was remarkably free from faults', and given such music the Wellington Professional Orchestra is worthy of every encouragement.