"SYLVIUS" AND "TOM JONES"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2935, 22 November 1916, Page 8

"SYLVIUS" AND "TOM JONES"

Sir, —I must confess that I read in Saturday's issue with muck surprise the notes by "Sylvius" of his "impressions" of the opera "Tom Jones," as staged by the Wanganui Amateurs last week. That your musical critic should have commented upon address rehearsal of an approaching performance by an outsido society is surely a matter of questionable taste; but, apart from that, ivliat reasonablo person would attempt to surmiso the success or otherwise of a public performance from having witnessed a final rehearsal? Is any final rehearsal ever satisfactory? If "Sylvius"'had asked the opinion of all performers individually that evening lie would have found them much of the samo opinion a"s himself. But had ho been present at thy first, but moro especially the third, public performance i of tho opera ho would have found that tho amateurs presented samo in every respect well up to the standard of professionals. As for "Sylvius"- attempting to judge the work of the principals, more especially "Sophia Weston" and "Tom Jones," under such' circumstances —well, it was, to say tho least of it, ridiculous. Regarding tho opera itself, the crowded audiences which witnessed its production gave every indication of their being highly appreciative as to its merits.. Both visiting and local musical critics in a position to express an opinion spoko in terms of praise both in regard to the opera itself and also,, iu regard to the excellence of its interpretation the AVamganui Society. This opera it is tho good pleasure of "Sylvius" to term "mediocro" and "tediously dull." He must surely have been suffering from a very severe bilious attack at the time! While he was "on' the job"- he might very w.ell have made some comment in regard to the scenic effects or the orchestra —although the _ society has no cause for worry on this score either. It was no small honour to bo entrusted with tho first performance id New Zealand of' "Tom Jones," and the Wanganui people have every reason to bo proud of their amateurs, who, in face' of war conditions, set out to produce an entirely now and difficult work, with depletions in numbers and musical ability. I submit that the result was highly pleasing to all who were concerned, whether as performers or otherwise, and the treasurer wears a happy smile which rnust count for something! That "Sylvius" should advise ether such societies throughout the Dominion not to touch "Tom Jones v under such circumstances is distinctly unkind. Knowing that his comments would be widely read it was surely a fair thing either to make proper arrangements for witnessing a public performance or saying' nothing about it at all. Anyhow, if such other societies are anxious to tackle something both new and of a high' standard of excellence, they can be safe in risking their efforts upon the. production of "Tom Jones.". Let anyone purchase a copy of the vocal score and judge for himself. I apologise for taking up so much of your space, but feel that it is a matter which should not be allowed to pass without comment. —I am, etc., ' 'OALL BOY. Wanganui, November 20, 1916.