PHILHARMONIC CONCERT

Evening Star, Issue 19661, 14 September 1927, Page 2

PHILHARMONIC CONCERT

GOOD HOUSE AND GOOD PLAYING Once more ifc is :m agreeable duty to acknowledge the work that Signor Squariso is doing for the musical interests of our city. For thirty-seven years, since lie came from Australia as ’leader of tiio Exhibition Orchestra, ho lias given us of his best as a violin player, as a teacher, as a composer, and as an organiser, and in each and all capacities his doings have the hall mark of quality. Of these matters one is periodically reminded by his appearance at the Dunedin Philharmonic Society’s concerts. Some of the many hundreds of string players who own him as their professional father were amongst the big audience at T.fis Majesty’s Theatre last night, the occasion being the third concert of the society’s twenty-third season, and naturally they regarded with love and gratitude the gentleman who came on to conduct this orchestra of his own founding to further successful performances. The players mustered in fair force, and gave a series of studies that, whilst varying in merit, included some of their belt in recent years. Considered, generally, the reeds section did well and the middle and lower strings were good, the brass rather given to noisiness in some pieces, the first violins hardly strong enough to dominate in the work for the full band. Handicaps of that kind are usual, almost inevitable, with purely amateur orchestras, imposing difficulties upon the conductor, but on this occasion ns on some others Signor Squariso proved a tower of strength, his influence going a long way towards wresting successes out of precarious situations.

It was nice to hear again ‘ The Great Little Army ’ march that Mr F. J. Ricketts and ins Argyll and Sutherland Band revealed at the recent Exhibition. .'With violins substituted for clarinets the effects were, ■of course, different, and the top was a bit light in tiie fortes; nevertheless, the result came out pretty well, thanks largely to the good playing of the wood-wind.

Tiio ‘Francesca da Rimini’ overture by Morlacchi went even better. It may bo regarded as the feature nf the concert. The avowed purpose of the composer, to describe the career of Francesca as written by Dante, was adequately set forth in tile studious treatment of every episode introduced. Perhaps tiio sombre opening was a little diffident, but as soon as the string joined in the playing grew definite, the brass gave nice tone, and, save for an occasional want of balance, the overture was a treat, every movement in character, the orchestra consistently in tune, and expression made a specialty. The solo work in this overture, though not taxing, is also to be commended. As Signor Giovanni Stella was unable to appear—he came from Christchurch last Friday, but was laid aside by a bad cold—the orchestra put on Mancinelli’s 1 Symphonic Prelude.’ Presumably this work had to be presented without time for full re-examination. That was the explanation that rose in the minds of some present as they listened to tiio playing, which was somewhat timorous and hesitating, some of the performers too busy in reading to watch tiie conductor.

In Haydn’s ‘Farewell Symphony’ tiie orchestra canio back to form. It was given with delightful suavity and a sense of ease, as though tiie players knew tiie music and enjoyed it. Herein the balance was really satisfactory and the tone of the best.

Ifc was a pity that in the interval the timing of the instruments was not fully seen to; The ‘ Slav March ’ by Tschaikowsky is in its early stages slow, every note distinct, the least disagreement therefore noticeable, and as some of the instruments were not in tuno the slow movement was spoiled. This is the more regrettable because a success was within grasp, for the playing was beautifully soft and expressive. The to deeming passages were those that bring in tho Russian National Anthem at fort p.

Ample compensation wus, however, afforded iu the ‘ Sorcicr ’ overture by Mouton that ended the concert. it came forth with splendid dash and spirit, the pianissimo movement, in which violin and harp sustain the melody most, a nmsiciauly feature, aided try lovely accompanying. Mr j. B. iVlacpherson, one of tho singers at this concert, has an uncommonly line bass voice, effective in the lower range, and, helped very much by Mrs Drake’s playing, this gentleman gave a rendering of ‘ Oberon in Fairyland ' that indicated much promise. M iss Don’s M'Curdy, whose accompaniments wore played by Mr L. A. James, satisfied all hearers with a most tasteful treatment of ‘The Almond Tree’ and gained a conspicuous success in 4 0 Hall of Song ’-—a song that few but professionals of wide experience dare to attempt in real opera style.

Mr P. Palmer’s violoncello solo 1 Simple Aveu ’ gave the audience unalloyed pleasure, being played with unfailing grace and accuracy and accompanied beautifully by the orchestra. It well deserved its encore. Mr Palmer is now playing confidently and with depth and feeling.