PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 227, 20 June 1921, Page 8

PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA

A BRILLIANT CONCERT. There was not a vacant seat in His Majesty’s Theatre last night on the occasion of the third concert of the Professional Orchestra’s season, showing that it is manifestly unfair to describe Wellington people as unmusical. The programme presented was composed in the main of popular orchestral works, but included a rare gem —one that has never before been exhibited in Wellington. It was Verdi's overture to his massive opera, so little known in New Zealand, "The Force of Destiny.” and it left, the audience spellbound. The orchestra was part-perfect, and did the splendid work all justice. "The Force of Destiny” is Verdi in his most wonderful mood. There is a sense of unreality, of latent rSree, of holy tranquillity, of the relentless hand of Fate as it mores slowly over the nations. The brass commence the piece, stridently - - ■ the strings andj woodwind follow. There are sequences of delightful harmonics and solos, until a charming passage —a sort of hymn tune •—occurs for the brass, with, a Tippling series of interpolations by the first, violins, lending up to a dramatic conclusion. Rossini’s “William Tell," beloved of music enthusiasts the world •over, was well played., although the ’cello portion at the commencement could have been improved on, and Mr. Hilliker, the leading 'cello, took a decidedly unconventional and not altogether correct view of the opening cadenzas. The celebrated! flute and oboe duet received delicate treatment at the hands of Messrs. Tucker and Kershaw. Halvorsen’s Marche de triomphe, “Entry of the Boyards,” a weird' piece, was well received, the clarinet work lieing excellently performed. "Three Dances" (“Henry VIII") wore well played, a fantasie on Puccini’s “To Tosen" pleased the audience, and a dainty "Serenade Rococo,” for strings only.' received an encore. Mr. Henry Moschini conducted the orchestra, and is to be complimented on the very excellent, concert—one of tlm finest for several years.