PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 53, 26 November 1917, Page 7

PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA

LAST CONCERT OF THE SEASON. Although sadly hampered by unavoidable defections from its ranks tho Wellington Professional Orchestra has done good work and given a great deal of-'genuine pleasure during the past season, and it is to bo dovoutly hoped that tho orchestra—which is tho only medium through which tho public may still enjoy music in its most desirable form —may be able to resume next year. This is considered doubtful, as most of its members figure among the Second Division, which may mean that they will be called upon to play other tunes on Jess familiar instruments in a battle symphony, the like of which the world has never heard before. Last evening's programme was a thoroughly delightful one. The music was mostly operatic in character, and to the many who are able to "visualise tho scene," tho concert had an -uncommon charm. A number of outstanding interest was a fantasia of Puccini's opera, "Madam Butterfly," music that will ever retain its entrancing hold on those who know and appreciate tho dramatic idea and pretty sentiment_ convoyed by Puccini's flowing melodies and entrancing orchestration. On the whole tho fantasia as played last evening was a very welcome reminder of a delightful and quite unforgettable opera. A new number from tho gifted composer of ''Cavalleria Eusticana" was tho "Hymn to_ the Sun," from Mascagni's "Iris," an opera which had a fair success in Europe_ and South America. The "Hymn" is a gorgeous-ly-coloured piece of orchestral writing, richly florid in style, with_ tho effectß piled on in profusion, working up from a sombre-toned brooding "night" movement _ through the dawn, to the rising of the sun in all its glory. The idea is a capital one, but an abundance of tonal anti-climax rather makes for monotony towards tho end. The familiar sestet teilo from "Lucia di Lammermoor" (Donizetti) was evenly played, and a particularly bright fantasia on airs from "Lucia di Lammermoor" piause. A fine, tuneful, and varied overture, "Endure to Conquer," met with approval. The "Mignon" gavotte, which is always popular, was delicately played, and a new number, "Tho Little Leaden Soldiers," by Pierne, a catchy littlo march, played with tho tone dwarfed down to the toy idea, made an immediate impression, snd had to be repeated.. Mr. IT. Moschini conducted.'