THE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 152, 9 January 1869, Page 3

THE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT

According to the promise implied in our last issue, we now endeavour to give a critique on the concert given in the Provincial Hall, on the Ist inst. We trust that our remarks will be received in the same friendly spirit as they are given—pointing to merit where it exists, and marking errors, for improvement. Being an entertainment for which the public were charged, and not for a charitable purpose, we feel that we are entitled to do so. We think the front of the piano, and not the back, should be to the audience. That the performers should not remain on the stage, but retire, and come on at their appointed time, thus avoiding unpleasantness to the ladies, and relieving the gentlemen from a deal of temporary “satisfaction.” It is bad taste to make too free with an .audience ; the more distant, the, more power. The first chorus, “The Merry May,” did not run well ; time and expression was not aimed at —nervousness might have been the cause. The duet, “The Elfin Call,” wanted more crispness, and buoyancy. It is difficult to find two voices for duet singing. A bass and tenor, a soprano, and full baritone, or two sopranos, are the best for duets'; a sympathy between the voices is essential, and great expression, with a marked deference to points are highly necessary. Solo, “My Ain Fireside.” The point in Scotch ballads should be clearness of articulation ; music there was none, and we could not hear the words. Solo, Instrumental, “ Piano.” Music not mentioned ; a mistake, as we did not know what was done or meant. It is true, the instrument was out of tune ; but the gentleman’s touch was calculated to knock it out. All florid performers require a good instrument. Trio, “The Silent Vesper Hour.” This appeared to us a glee, not a trio ; a deal of trouble, and no effect ; far too long, and too much sameness. Chorus, “ Awake, HSoliau Lyre,” the best by far given by the Society ; the voices were more together, and better attuned. Instrumental duet, violin and piano, “ Come Back to Erin.” This duct gave unusual satisfaction ; time, expression, and feeling were observed in the right place. The tremulendo of the violin, and the pathos of the piano came out beautifully, and obtained a well-deserved encore. Solo, “ Woodman Spare the Tree ” This was attempted, but after two trials was abandoned, and no explanation given to the audience, who certainly ought to have known the reason. Solo and Chorus, “ Come Where my Love Lies Dreaming ” Quite a mistake ; a light tenor voice was wanted to float and soar above the other voices. Where was the tine bass part ?we lost it. In the second part, the. instrumental duet, violin and piano, “ 11 Bacio,” was executed in a strict!y artistic style, which brought another encore, deservedly earned, and fully' appreciated. Chorus, “Hark the Lark,” hung heavily on hand ; too dreary. Trio, “ Lutzow’s Wild Hunt.” The name of the composer (Weber) should have been a caution. “ Fain would I climb, jet fear to fall.” “ If thv heart tail ihee, climb then not at all ”

These lines seem to us to be appropriate to the case. Instrumental solo, piano ;no name. This solo seemed to run better than the former one, but only obtained partial favor. The gentleman appeared to be a very mechanical performer ; not enough light and shade. Solo, “ Scotch Ballad.” Same fault as before. Too many verses, and too much sameness. Chorus, “ Where art Thou, Beam of Light?” A fine composition, but rendered without expression, or a due observance of time. Solo, “ Beautiful Isle of the Sea.” Feelingly and smoothly sang ; deserved and obtained au encore. Encore not well chosen ; operatic music not suited to the singer’s taste. Chorus, “Lullaby,”- evidently not understood by the performers, and of course went off flat. Finalej “God Save the Queen,” sang as a~chorus ; the fine solo parts omitted—this always spoils this really fine music. It is singular that all national anthems, except the English, are sang with fervor and feeling. Is it because it is not felt, or through sheer carelessness ?—yet so it is. In conclusion, we would say, that the gentleman who conduced seems too tame ; not sufficiently energetic. If he could be more marked in his time and style, the performers would be more precise, and have greater confidence.—Compiunicated.