CONCERT OF THE DUNEDIN MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2218, 16 June 1870, Page 2

CONCERT OF THE DUNEDIN MUSICAL SOCIETY.

This Society ought to bo gratified with the attendance at the New Post Office Hall last evening, for, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather {and the counter attractions at the Water of Leith, the hall was well filled, if not crowded. We scarcely know whether the public expectation formed of the performance has been realised. Perhaps not; for iu addition 1’ the weather theic were a number of little contretemps which were calculated to unnerve even well seasoned professional musicians, but which unavoidably proved drawbacks to amateurs. In tho first place a little delay took place iu opening, in consequence of a slight mishap to the leading s piano, Miss Edhouse, to whom it is only due to explain that through having to hurry down, she arrived somewhat exhausted —a drawback that she could not overcome throughout the evening. Then one of the audience was taken ill and had to be removed, and lastly news arrived that the new tire hell was to be rung, and that had to he explained in order to prevent alaim. But notwithstanding these distractions, the concert was gone through steadily. In the first part, the Creation, the recitatives ? were given with precision a I’d very good eflect by Mr Farrow, Mr Marsden, and Mjss JJdiiousc. There is an evident improvement in this lady’s style of singing, as was manifest in the manner in which she sang “ With Verdure Clad,” though through the circumstances mentioned she was unable to do hersel for thiesong justice. Another drawback was the few trd.’! R voices on the platform as compared with the number cf tenor aud bass. In consequence tjm labor of effectually sustaining tbeir part in tfie .choruses was a detriment to those who had to sing the solos. It is to he regretted that those ladies who desire to see 'a love of music cultivated should not come forward and help. They were not so backward and indifferent a,few years ago. There are plenty in Dunedin who can do it with pleasure to themselves and others. The public and the society are much indebted to Mjss Edhouso and those ladies who w.ere present, for their cheerful sacrifice of time and it is but justice to them to acknowledge the severe exertion they had to undergo. The instrumental accompaniments were played with judgment, taste, and precision ; and the last chorus, “The Heavens are Telling,” which was given with the full power of instruments and voices, had a fine effect.

In the second part Weber’s overture u Preciosa ” was splendidly played, Mr May leading, and each instrument taking up its part accurately. The instrumental accompaniments to “ The Chough and Crow,” “ Hail to the Chief,” and “Now tramp o'er Moss and Fell,” were arranged by Mr May, and added much to the effect of those popular compositions. Miss Edhouse’s solo “Tell me, my hqart,” told, of what that lady can do and of what she had done. Her style has improved, but havipg to help to sustain the choruses had wearied her. Bhe however received a deserved encore, and sang an answer to it, “ Cushla Machree,” with a pathos and effect that satisfied the most fastidious taste. Miss Bell’s fantasia on the pianoforte was a brilliant performance, and notwithstanding its length was' re-demanded. .She substituted that quaint production “The Old Clock on ,thc Stairs,” which seemed to please equally wejll. the tenor song “ Defenders ojf our Land. ” by Mr Farrow, secured an encore, as did in fact every vocal piece excepting the choruses in the second part—the peculiarity being that in most instances the substituted piece or song pleased better than the first. The trio “Oh Memory,” by tfie Misses Bell and Mr Towsey, in which Miss Bell played the accompaniment, was tastefully sung. One great object this Society has in view, the development of musical talent was illustrated by the manner in which “The Bride of the Castle ” and tbs encore song, “My Bud in Heaver,” wore sung by a young lady who has not hitherto taken a prominent part in musical penormanecs They were rendered simply and unaffectedly, and were far in advance of the usual efforts of debutante*. Mr Martin’s clairionet solo was beautifully played, and admirably accompanied by the orchestra. On the whole the concert had less equality of merit in it than former concerts by the Society, and, in consequence, its defects became mqre apparent. The instrumental portion was immeasurably in advance, but the vocal, in consequence of the weakness of number of the sopranos, was not so well balanced. Throughout the evening Miss Bell played the accompaniments on a very fine-toned grand piano, supplied by Mr C.

Bcgjj. Mr May and Mr Little played the leading violins in the overtures, and Mr May conducted with great judgment. -' •