NAPIER MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3826, 20 October 1883, Page 3

NAPIER MUSICAL SOCIETY.

The first concert of the newly constituted Napier Musical Society was given in tlic Theatre Royal last evening, aud was a fair success. Shortcomings there werp, as

might have been expected, but, with the experience gained, they should be of no permanent disadvantage to the society. The attendance, considering- that only subscribers were admitted, and the very unfavourable state of the weather, Avas good, and we think there should be no difHoulty at future concerts, if tho society remains true to the work it has taken in hand, in completely tilling the building. The programme, beginning with a miscellaneous selection, opened with Rossini's overture to Tancredi, which was only fairly played by the band, sonic of the quick passu ires being rather slummed, and the time was occasionally unsteady. This was followed by Pinsuti's " I Feci- no Foe," carefully sung by Mr Kettle, whoso voice, however, is hardly heavy enough to give it with sufiicicnt oit'ect. Tho " A'alo of Rest," four-part song by Mendelssohn, came next —a beautiful specimen of vocal composition, but we must say quite beyond the chorus, as a whole at present, even with the aid which was afforded by several of the instruments. Tho best piece the first part was undoubtedly the AirD'Egliso (De Stradella) arranged for piano, violincello, and organ. This was really well rendered by Messrs Spaokman, Humphreys, ' and Browne, who seemed to enjoy their task, and it was much appreciated hy tho audience. Afterwards were sung as quartettes two Orpheus glees — (a) " Maiden Listen," serenade by Adams, and (//',. "Tho Banners Wave," war song byKuckeu. These went well enough to make us desire to hear more of such music, which wo hope to do on a future occasion. The second vocal solo on the programme, "Ma la Sola," by Bellini, was sung by Miss R. Bell, who acquitted herself with credit. Miss Bell has a clear soprano voice, and apparently genuine musical capabilities, but she must have been a little ill-advised to sing in public an aria containing such difiicult vocalisation. It is only professionals or highly trained amateurs who can possibly do justice to music of that description. The first part of tlic programme concluded with Rossini's well known " Garni vale," sung by the chorus, with baud accompaniment. Tho chorus was ragged in tho commencement, and in tho leads, but it exhibited rather favourably tho power and quality of the combined voices, and would havo been more effective with pianoforte accompaniment only.

The second part of tho programme consisted of one work only, viz., Romberg's " Lay of the Bell," sung by the full chorus, Avith orchestral accompaniment. The work, Avhich is thoroughly known to most musicians, is well Avritteu and pleasing in character, but iv places rather monotonous. On the whole tho performance last night Avas creditable to the society, but the effect Avas marred by the bad arrangement Avith respect to the soloists, avlio appeared nearly all uncertain as to Avheu to take their places in front, or Avhere to stand when they arrived there. This should be attended to in future. The verses describing the process of melting the metal and casting the bell are sung by the master, and intermingled with them aro tho verses on the various scones of life Avith Avhich tho sounds of the bell arc connected. These verses are sung by the other solo voices and by the chorus. Tho master's part was alloted to Mr Aplin, Avho sang carefully throughout, but, ho Avas Avanting in verve and power, tho music requiring authoritative, yet humble, declamation. Mrs Sheath rendered valuable assistance in tho principal soprano solos, the sympathetic and beautiful recitative and air, " Lo, it is tho Avit'c," and "All those tender ties," being specially well sung, as Avas also tho duet which she sang with Mr Finch, " Oh, tenderost passion." Miss R. Bell sang the pretty movement in six-eight time " Wearied now with toil of day" Avith duo regard to tho time and rythm, but the accompaniment to this avus not so neatly played as it might haA'O been. Mr Finch and Mr Stephens sang the tenor solo parts. Tlic former sang "That morn has fled," describing the departure of youth from home, very nicely. Ho has a tenor A-oico (rather a rarity now a days) Avorth cultivating,/// solo work, and avo shall lie glad to see him take the hint. Mr Stephens had " Though passion may fly," one of the best solos, allotted to him, but ho Avas suffering from a cold, and did not do himself justice. AYe now come to the quartette, " Now the father Avitli glowing pride" and the septette, " Vain man to bo thus confiding," both of which Avcnt very well, thelatter a beautiful pieeeof writing-in particular. Then came the quartette and chorus, "Peace sweet concord," which was very smoothly given, and is always pleasant to listen to. The favorite solo (by the master) and chorus "And long may concord" Avas also smartly and quietly rendered, but it dragged somewhat through the tempo being too slow. The Avork concludes with a lino but difficult solo by the master, "Henceforth shall tho bell attend on Fate," Avhich Mr Ajilin did fair justice to, followed by tho chorus "See! Sco! it quits the ground." Tho choruses, as a rule, Avcnt steadily and attentively to the conductor's beat. The best Avere in our opinion, " We'll spare no pains," " In fertile Avomb," and the short chorus at tho end. Tho chorus on tho whole is formed of fair average voices, and, excepting the alto part, Avhicli is Avcak, tolerably avoll balanced, and uoav that a fair start lias been made only those persons possessing a reasonable pretence to eligibility (voice combined Avith general musical knowledge being the text) ought iv future to bo admitted.

The band, Avith Mr Spackman as principal violin, and Avhich included also most of tho talent available in Napier, did good service in the " Lay of tho Bell," the accompaniments to which, thoughsomeof them very difficult, and indeed throughout tho evening-, added very materially to tho success of the concert. Miss Kennedy presided at tho cabinet organ with care and judgment, and Mr George Garry, at the piano, acted generally as accompanist, and acquitted himself remarkably Avell. In conclusion avc would add a few words in praise of the conductor, Mr J. G. Browne, for the energy and care he has bestoAved in training the members of the Society, and to Avhom tho credit of scoring a first success is in a great measure due. Tho secretary, Mr Sheath, also scorns to havo done CA-erythiug in his power to perfect the general arrangements, but, he should consider the propriety of omitting advertisements from the programme and book of words in future. AVorks of art and soap and candles are each acceptable in their way, but they don't as a rule make a good mixture. AVith a little attention to some of the matters avc have poiutcd out, avc think tho society Avill become a permanent and indispcnsiblo institution to Napier.