AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 688, 2 September 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

THE LYDIA HOWARDS TROUPE. “ The Trial by Jury” and “ Nemesis” formed the attraction at the Music Hall last evening, when a crowded house was again the result. The first piece went remarkably well, and was highly appreciated by the audience. Without a doubt “ The Trial” is one of the very best pieces yet produced by the management, and should have a long run. The enactment of the part of judge, by Mr Cary, is a really fine piece of acting, and he deserves great credit for the way in which he sings the music allotted to him, showing careful study and p thorough appreciation of the author. The other characters were all very ably sustained by the other members of the company, and the piece must be pronounced as a genuine success. “Nemesis” concluded the evening’s entertainment, and went better than ever. The same programme will be repeated this evening, and for Monday “Masaniello” is announced. ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT. The third concert of the present season given by this society took place last evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, and was as is usual with those presented by the society very successful. We should have liked to have seen a larger attendance, as the efforts of the members to make our musical public acquainted with the works of the great masters deserve in return liberal and hearty support. The instrumental part comprised Rossini’s overture in D, “ Otello” ; Beethoven’s string quartette in G ; the symphony No I in O' of the same composer ; and Onslow’s overture in D, “ L’Alcalde de la Vega.” The overture “Otello” was very well played throughout. It went with lightness and vigour, asd wa way especially note for

approval the passages for the wind instruments with the strings in subordination, which were nicely taken, as also was the finale. The second overture by Onslow was played carefully and well, developing fully the characteristics of the composition. The No 1 Symphony has been performed before by the society, and last night it was quite as successful as formerly. All the movements were well taken, the first and second particularly so. The symphony itself is the first of its class in which the precedents of Haydn and Mozart are followed, before the composition of the Broica. In this latter the composer struck out a new line, and wrote so as to excite at the time the wonder or sneers of his hearers, according so their several comprehensions, until the Choral Symphony, put forward as the beginning of the highest school of music became the last legacy of the composer. We have left the string quartette for remark until the last, because it was, to our mind, the greatest musical treat the Society has yet afforded us. It was finely interpreted by those engaged, who faithfully reproduced the conception of the master. It is for two violins, viola, and violoncello, and is the second of the series of quartettes written by Beethoven. The earlier movements, are formed after the school of Mozart and Haydn, the latter ones developing all the characteristics of the Beethoven school. It requires careful study, and most intelligent rendering on the part of the players to enable the movements to be comprehended by even advanced musicians. The first and second movements were very finely played, especially so the second. In this the gravely majestic opening was carefully and intelligently interpreted, as also was the bright sparkling allegro following. In this an accident happened to the cello strings, which necessitated a temporary interruption. The audience, however, were the gainers by the mishap, as it gave them an opportunity of again hearing the really splendid second movement repeated. As a whole the quartette was a great treat, and the gentlemen engaged are deserving of praise for the manner in which they rendered it. The vocal items included two part songs, Mendelssohn’s “ In a wood,” and Barnby’s “ Sweet and Low ” which went fairly. Rossini’s chorus for female voices “Le Carita” was rendered creditably, but the best effort in this line was the march and chorus from Wagner’s “ Tannhauser - " Two solos, Sullivan’s “ Thou art weary ” and Mendelssohn’s “ Herdsman's song,” were nicely sung by a lady who possesses a full rich voice, and who we hope to hear again. The next concert of the society will be given in November. ■