CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 256, 29 June 1882, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

This society, under tho leadership cf Mr j H Wells, g -.ve its first concert of the present | season at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening, ( •ff'uon there was c. crowded attendance of j urfhFcrihf r» and their friends. The programme i was divided into two parts, Handel’s | “ AoU and Galatea ’’ and Mendelssohn’s “Hymn of Praiea ” forming the first and) second parts respectively. Judging from the | numbers present tho society’s funds must bo . flourishing, as no tickets of admission were issued except to subscribers. Judging the whole of the norfonnance os given last night, we cannot but think that the committee of the society are right in enlisting subscribers on tho promise of a thorough rendition of tho works of th« groat masters. If tho music cf last light—o: father the manner iu which it, was given—is the bast cample we could afford the many strangers at preear,t in our —iHt, then it may bo said our Music al Society cannot excel. But a short ti?.e tinea mb had the pleasure of listening to bu off gathering of the Dunedin Motett Society, who gave ue a fairly good treat, and an excellent example of what practice and attention may do. And why cannot our own society dr<w forth equal praise ? The choruses in the second part cf last night’s programme were vary far from perfect, and evidenced a want of practice for which there can be no excuse. Considering that long practices were given to the “ Hymu of Praise,” prior to the opening or the Exhibition, when it was specially performed by tho society, wo can find no excuse for tho loose manner in which it was placed before the audience last evening. The rough and ready way in which so many cf our concerts are given leaves its mark, and the bed results will be prevented only when a conductor comes to the fore who will insist oa perfection priof to public rehearsal. The, society is q iito capable of doing any work In a real./ creditable manner, provided proper care and practice be exorcised, P.nd it’s to be jcoKieoU’.d that such is not the case. “ Aois and Galatea” is a favorite composition with the English societies, and, though ooT3pataUvely abort, is ons of tne most exacting for caprauos and tenori. Tho bass part—that of Polyphemus —is not an arduous ons, though it includes that famous air, “O, ruddier than the cherry,” made famous by such singers as Henry Phillips, Santley, and others. The overture is both quaint_ and pretty, th.it part where the flute and clarionet play in thirds being particularly pleasing, their respc-ctivo parts being well played last night by members of tho orchestra. , The orchestra was small, but very efficient, these remarks applying specially to the first part of the programme. In tho “Hymu of Praise ” tho accompaniments were not so good, but fir tho entire performance tha members danervo great praise. Mr James Coombes lad, with the assistance of Herr Braun, late of tho Austrian band. The committee are to bo complimented on their policy of introducing first class talent lor loading work, and all who had the pleaa lire to listen to Mrs Oottorili’fl singing last night will wish to hear hor at our society’s concerts to cunc. Possessing a very sympathetic voice, puro and equal in tone, nothing more could be desired than the artistic finish alio brought to bear in fulfilling her part, wliich cut with the repeated approbation of id! present. Mr Izard was Aois, but was unequal to the demand of tho part, the air “ Where shall I seek the charming f air,” and the dust with Galatea, “ H ippy we,” being excised. Mr Paiiohel ns Damon did his part in a more satisfactory manner, and has certainly imfirovvd since his last society periormance, A ittlo more life in his solos would have been beneficial.

Ur Knox as Polyphemus rendered good ««*vvioo, his beat effort being, “ O, Ruddier than the Oherry.” The -chorus parts, few in number, were very well given. la iho second part, the “ Hymn of Praise,” Miss Pairhurst sustained the soprano solo parts very well indeed, Miss Parkinson singing with her in the duett, “ 1 waited for the Lord.”

Baaing, now, that the committee have seen fit to engage professional talent for the leading solos, and the attendant success, we feel sure that it is a policy sure to lead to good result, and commend it to their consideration, not tor one voice alone, but for all, and should superior talent bo readily attainable, and within the means of the society, for its forthcoming concerts, wa would certainly advise such assistance being procured, feeling certain that vary satisfactory results will flUfcUO.