THE ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1918, 28 November 1913, Page 5

THE ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND.

A CHEAT CONCERT. There must have been a couple of thousand people turned away from the doors of the Town Hall last evening when the band of tho Royal Regiment of Artillery, which has conic to New Zealand under engagement to tho oxectij tive of the Auckland Industrial Exhibition, gave its first concert in AVellington. Tho rush for seats was almost unprecedented, and by 7.30 p.m. tho big hall was quite filled. Tho enthusiasm of tho AVellington public to hear this famous band, with its fine traditions, was absolutely justified by the performance given. Tho band is a combination of musicians, not merely automatic executants, and though wo havo had some lino bands in New Zealand from time to time, including the "Bosses o' th' Barn" (all brass), Sousa's Band, and tho band of tho Royal Marines (which camo this way with King George, then tho Dnko of \'ork), tho Royal Artillery Band must be accorded prido of plnco with the critically inclined.

The wonder to all who beard the band last evening, apart from the tone, was tho extraordinary delicacy and flexibility that characterised the' playing of every piece. "With such a number of clarinets it was delightful to hear them produce a tone effect as fine and sweet as a body of strings. Notably was this the case in certain passages of "Tho Hymn of Praise," and the "Invitation, to . the AValtz," a very beautiful arrangement by AA'cingartner, of AVcber's famous work. Tho attack and release were always perfect—never a blur, never an individual note prolonged, never a suspicion of a frayed end of a phrase so common with tho brass bands wo aro accustomed to. Allien as frequently happens the motif in chief is given out by the six loading clarinets, it is as if one man was playing, even though tho passago bo laden with rapid runs and shakes, a degrco of perfection which can only bo accomplished by daily practice, under a relentlessly strict conductor. All tho soloists were admirable in their work, but special mention is due to the solo cornetist, the oboeist, and tho solo euphonium player. Tho band gets a surprising amount of tono colour into its work, and in tho big ensembles in the "IJPagliacci" and "Ruy Bias" played wTfii splendid force, buoyancy, and arlistic effect.

The programme opened'' with 'an elaborate setting of the I'cers inarch from "lolantho" (Sullivan), which at onco established tho band in tho favour of tho audience. It was with no small pleasure that tho "lolantho" and later tho "Patience" selection wero heard. The "Buy Bias" overture of Mendelssohn, with its sharp contrasts and glorious ensembles, was played with lino imprcsscment, and set up a storm of applause, which induced', as an encore number, one of Sousa's lively quotations, full of nunint car-tickling effects. Tho "Coppelia" ballot music, of Dolibes,, made familiar so recently by tho Gonco Company, brought back delicious memories of tho famous dancer, and evoked a hail of applause, which ' brought as a reward a dainty interlude, entitled "Wiener Madeleine," in one passage of which tho members of the band supported by the piccolo, whistle in harmony a refrain that is accompanied with excellent effect by arpeggio chords on tho harp. The number savoured of tho theatrical, but there was no donying the impression it made on the audience. Dvorak's "Humoieske," always a favourite, was most artistically treated, notable, indeed, for tho toiie-shadiug, and the discreet licenso used in the exercise of the tempo rubato. "Tho Hymn of Praise" (Mendelssohn), a. mag'nifi-, cently orclidstratcd' number, which 1 real-' Iy demands tho strings for perfect interpretation, found tho real strength of tho combination to bo what few expected, showing in particular tho resource and power of tho brass section, and the delicacy of tho clarinets in the many difficult cadenzas which adorn tho score. The final chorale was very feelingly played. It was with especial pleasure that the "Das Eheingold" (Wagner) selection was heard. Hero tho clarinets, . assumiiiK tho function of tho strings, played the wonderful runs with a facility and unanimity entrancing to hear. The "I Pagliacci" (Leoncavallo) selection was' another triumph—tho baud, witli fine vervo and buoyancy, gave a splendid interpretation of the music, Another graceful number was tho "Echoes des Bastions" (Kling), a daintily melodious number with the voluptuous rhythm of a Viennese waltz.-

The band was conducted by Mr. E. C. Stretton, R.A., whoso style and manner are undemonstrative, yet are wonderfully virile and alert. He lias a clear, precise beat, and beckons each lead in a manner at once coaxing and imperious. His was not the least part in tho undoubted ■success scored by the band last evening. THIS AFTERNOON'S CONCERT. Tlie band's second and final concert in Wellington will bo given in the Town Hall tliis afternoon, commencing at 3 o'clock. Many •requests have been received for another concert to be given tills evening, but it is unfortunately impo?siblo, as tho hand has to play at tho opening of the Auckland Exhibition on Monday morning. The men have had a very busy week since they reached New Zealand, and must bo given art opportunity to rest before their regular work at tho Exhibition begins.

CIVIC RECEPTION. A civic reception was accorded the Royal Artillery Band in tho Concert Chamber of tlie 'Town Hall yesterday afternoon. It had originally been intended to hold the reception at 11 o'clock in the morning, hut owing to tho late arrival of the Pateena, the reception was postpone'd till the afternoon. Tho hall was moderately filled with citizens. On the stage were: Tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), and some of the councillors, Captain Prccston, R.F.A., captain of the band, Mr. E. C. Stretton (bandmaster), Mr. Holmes, representing the Auckland Exhibition, and Mr. J. Dykes who is arranging for the performance here. The Mayor welcomed tho band on behalf of those present. Captain Prceston, he said, had seen "active service" as a commissioner at Aldcrshot. Those responsible had been wise in placing him in charge of tho band. Tho Mayor went on to remark that Mr. Stretton. the bandmaster, was loaded with the responsibility of seeing that the men gave music that would stir their hearers. Unfortunately, owing to tho strike, tho bandsmen had had some difficulty with their baggage. "If wo had only anticipated such a difficulty," he said, "I am sure wo ourselves would have carried the baggage from one end of the Dominion to the other." In conclusion the Mayor expressed the hope that the public would attend in largo "umbers to hear tho band at its two performances in this city. He then called for three cheers for the band.

Councillor Harbor also spoke. Ho thought that one matter that should have been mentioned was the small attendance: of the public to welcome the visitors. The reason was that the function had not been advertised, otherwise he was sure tho hall would have been filled to overflowing. He hoped that the hand would have a successful and pleasant visit lien; and that they would return home with tho best of rccollce-; tions of this country. Captain Vreeston thanked those mcsent on behalf of the band for the." reception accorded. They had been told bv people in the Old Country win, bad visited New Zealand that they would have a very good time, and these anticipations wore oven being, exceeded. Tho hospitality already experienced in

New Zealand had gone beyond the mere limit of words. Down south everything possible had been done to make them feel at home. He mentioned that they had been taken out for a most pleasant motor drive in Timaru, while, he added, ho himself had been made a member of all the clubs. Tho baud, he went on to say, had great responsibilities in ccmin'g out here. They had practiced practically every day on the voyage out, and were going to do their best, and ho hoped that tho people here would be satisfied with.their efforts. (Applause.) Mr. Stretton, tho bandmaster, said that it was rather unusual for him to bo heard in a vocal way, as his attention in public was usually occupied in a different direction. He was, however, more than pleased with tho hospitable way in which they had been treated so far, and also with their reception from a critical point of view. Ho hoped that the visit of the hand would have a good effect musically, and he was very sorry to stato there was room for this in New Zealand. If the band succeeded in improving the musical standard of the country they would have achieved a great deal. (Applause.) To-day two tramway observation ears will take members of tho band over the points of interest in tho city. Tho Mayor extended an invitation to councillors and their wives to join in the excursion.