A TSCHAIKOVSKY NIGHT

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 49, 21 November 1921, Page 6

A TSCHAIKOVSKY NIGHT

PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA’S TRIUMPH. At the conclusion of the rendering of "1812" by the Professional Orchestra last night—the gem on a splendid Tschaikovsky programme —the large audience rose and cheered. The performance was one of the best ever given by the orchestra, and it was a fitting triumph for Mr. Henry Moschini, who wielded the baton for the last time in Wellington. Aided by the splendid brasses of the Artillery Band, the orchestra made the great "overture solennelle” something to bo remembered. They played it last year at the "extra” concert; but the playing last night was vastly different. "1812” is extremely difficult. Each instrument is called on to give of its beat, and the ponderous climax—not artistic perhaps, but majestic—seems to grip audiences. The programme was entirely devoted to Tschaikovsky, and demonstrated the Russian in his varying moods. The "March Slav” is a miniature "1812,” yet is on a scale by far less ponderous. It was well played. The "Casse de Noisettes, the famous “Nutcracker” suite, received delicate treatment, the only weak item being the “Danse. Chinoise,” which was badly played at the previous concert. Th# “Danse des Mirletons” was greeted with a burst of applause, the reed music being weirdiv beautiful. More Tschaikovsky fanfaronade was found in the pi'elude and polonaise from "Eugen Onegin. The prelude is slow, with an ever-recur-ring theme. AH at once the skirl of the polonaise enters, and the orchestra is called on to play some very rapid paspoges. This was a popular number the ITting melody and rhythm doubtless appealing to the audience. The third movemen, of the “Symphonic Pathique,” which was played last night, not the most beautiful portion of the great symphony; but it was placed in ingenious juxta-position by Mr. Moschini. giving the audience a rest from the inspiring music of the more martial airs, while offering morn substaii-ial tare than the insouciante "Nutcracker numbeis. It was well played. Mr. Moschini. who was greeted and farewelled bv prolonged applause, has conducted I lie Professional Orchestra since the resignation of Mr. Bloy. He was the recipient of presentations from the orchestra at tine last rehearsal. He will leave for Auckland shor.ly.