THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4385, 9 April 1875, Page 2

THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Choral Society last night achieved a success upon which it may be congratulated for many reasons. In the first place, it is always difficult to get performing members together for a combined effort in anything like a reasonable time after the Christmas festival concert, upon which, to their credit be it said, they usually concentrate all their energy ; and, in the next place, delay and difficulty were experienced in obtaining the services of a conductor—Mr. Mowbray, for reasons which need not now be referred to, having expressed a desire to retire from the position. The delay engendered an apathetic feeling, which wellnigh threatened the existence of the society, and had it not received the warm support of a liberal patron, its monetary troubles would have brought it to an inglorious termination. Happily, Mr. George Hunter and one or two other enthusiasts in the cause, brought their efforts to bear in this time of need, and the result last evening was an exhibition of vitality for which the supporters and well-wishers of the society amongst whom are included musical people, without as well as within its ranks—were scarcely prepared. Of course, it was a great point gained to re-enlist the services of Mr. Mowbray, but the committee displayed stil) greater wisdom by dividing the society into subdivisons—the vocal and the orchestral — each under a separate leader or head. The advantages of such a course were at once apparent. Hitherto the instrumentalists have occupied a very subsidiary position, and, to be plain, have been altogether uncared for. Thus there was no emulation, no concentration of power—their force was wasted. Under the lead of a competent musician, Mr. Curry, the change was electrical, and Wellington can now boast of an orchestral band at least equal to that of any other city in New Zealand. Certainly it appeared at a disadvantage last evening. As a matter of fact the concert as at whole was marred by the insufficient accommodation of the Odd Fellows' Hall stage, which is utterly unsuited for a Choral Society's concert, but in the selection of a building the society was limited in choice, as was Hobson, and therefore there was no help for it. The band nevertheless showed all the results of careful training, and under the influence of Mr. Curry's potent wand gave the audience an orchestral treat such as they had not experienced for some considerable time past. Being unfavorably placed, behind the singers, the proscenium lapped up the sound so that the power and volume were not so great as might be expected from such a large body of performers, but the music was given in an excellent manner, and produced a corresponding amount of delight. The band programme consisted of the following pieces:— "Le.Dieu et la Bayadere" (Auber) ; Bolero, from "Attila" (Verdi); overture, "Le Macon" (Auber); and the new "Derby Galop." The first two pieces were placed in the first part of the programme, the vocal items being chosen principally from " Masaniello." The vocalists were little behind their rivals in excellence, although they had not laid themselves out for any arduous or special effort. The Masaniello choruses, always cheerful and attractive, were given with an agreeable crispness indicative of careful rehearsal and an enthusiastic interest in the work in hand. Standing out from all the rest the celebrated prayer " O Power Benign," was an especial gem. The effect of modulation and the delicately graded crescendo were never better exemplified, and in this piece alone Mr. ■ Mowbray must have found sufficient recompense and gratification for all his trouble. Bishop's glee, "Up, Quit thy Bower," was also capitally sung, and deserved the rapturous applause with which it was rewarded. Wagner's "Faithful and True," from the "Lohengrin," another fine exarhple of chorus singing, concluded the vocal part of the performance, the band bringing the concert to a conclusion with the " Derby Galop." Ondini's "Siren's Song," and Mattel's " Non ever," were very tastefully sung, as also was " The Lover and the Bird," which was encored and repeated. Blangini's "Vaune al mio bene" (violoncello solo) was played by Mr. C. S. Thomas, who displayed considerable executive power, and, together with Mr. Herman, who played the pianoforte accompaniment, gave the audience an excellent specimen of musical culture. Mr. Herman, in fact, is deserving of much credit for the efficient manner in which he supplied the accompaniments throughout the evening. His Excellency the Governor was prevented from being present, by sudden indisposition, and his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, to whom an address was to be presented on account of the severance of his connection with the society, was also unavoidably absent. The concert, which, as already stated, was very successful, was brought to a close by the National Anthem.