ROYAL BESSES O' TH' BARN BAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 816, 19 March 1910, Page 3

ROYAL BESSES O' TH' BARN BAND.

TUESDAY NEXT

It is averred that one cannot help being struck while listening to the Besses o’ th’ Barn Baud, who give one performance at the racecourse, Foxton, on Tuesday afternoon next at r o’clock sharp, under the management of Messrs J. and N. Tail, by noting the possession by them of every quality than contributes to the splendid exposition of their powers. The precision of their attack is wonderful and, try as he might, one could not discern signs of raggedness in the most intricate passages. Whether the whole cornet or any section is playing together, or a solo part is being undertaken, it is impossible to detect, except visibly, so far as their absolute accuracy of note is concerned. The blend and balance of the combination is of course beyond criticism, and the tone power and flexibility of every performer must be heard to be appreciated. The swelling effects produced and the accompaniments played irresistibly conjure up comparison with a full organ manipulated by a master. But one might go on analysing every quality of the band and in every instance he would have no alternative but to lavish praise upon it and on its celebrated conductor, Mr Alexander Owen, who has indeed achieved a triumph in training and leadership. The enthusiasm of the audience grows in intensity and insistence for encores as the evening proceed® the surest test of appreciation. The morceau de resistence is the graud selection from Rossini’s works arranged by the conductor, but items on one particular programme include the “Tanuhauser” march, Suppe’s “Poet and Peasant” overture a xylophono solo, “Faust,” “Memories of Britain,” and a euphonium solo, all serving to display the ability of the soloists. Among encores are “Lead, Kindly Light,” the sublime rendering of which revealed new beauties in the wonderful old hymn ; and it must sound pathetic to mention in the same sentence “The Merry Widow” Waltz, in which one is almost impelled to rise and dance to the haunting melody. Gates will open at 12 o’clock. Intending patrons may secure day sales at Mrs Nye’s, stationer. Trains will set down and pick up passengers at racecourse.