STRING ORCHESTRA

Evening Star, Issue 19665, 19 September 1927, Page 4

STRING ORCHESTRA

CONCERT AT UNIVERSITY Tho interpreting of music written entirely for tlie strings was tho primary reason ior tho formation of tho Otago University String Orchestra, which gave its first concert—a most enjoyable and instructive one—on Saturday night in the Allen Hall. The performance was most creditable, and tho interpretations made it evident that the orchestra will help a great deal in popularising this class of music. Handers ‘Water Musio’ was ihc first offering, and from tho opening fhe musicians gave a spirited rendering. Hie six movements were played with a splendid balance and freedom. Tho second piece, though, scored the success ot the evening for tho orchestra. Tho selection was Beethoven’s ‘ Concerto in G Major,’ and the difficulties with which the concerto bristles were easily comd by tho orchestra. Tho presentation was delightful. Mr Max Schcrck was the sole pianist, and throughout he was in perfect sympathy 'ih the orchestra.. Two dances, ‘ Dance Sacre and ‘Dance Profane’ (by Debussy), were tho final pieces, and the audience were so pleased that the demand for an encore had to bo complied with. Mr A. Walmslcy was tho vocalist of the evening. Three bracketed numbers by Schubert—‘ Hie Linden J ree, ‘Who is Svlvia?’ and ‘The Trout’— were first sung. The huskmess in the vocalist’s voice at the outset passed when the third song was sung. ‘ The Trout ’ was a most pleasing song, and it was made all the more charming by the rippling accompaniment. ‘True Love,’ ‘ Gracious and Kind Art Thou,’ and ‘ Sunday,’ a group of Brahms songs, were next offered by Mr Walmsley, and the treatment was excellent. Di- Galway was the accompanist.