A HAYDN SYMPHONY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12604, 15 November 1926, Page 11

A HAYDN SYMPHONY

DE MAUNY ORCHESTRA PLAYS Hard upon the heels of his appearance with Mr Bernard Page, Mr Leon de Mauny lias given another proof of his ability. This is a concert by the small orchestra which he formed not so long ago, and which seems certain to prove an excellent school for young players who will in the future give us some of those works which at present remain unperformed in the Dominion. Some such movement was necessary, and Mr de Mauny was the only one able to undertake it. He has en- , thusiasm, energy and knowledge, and these make his conductorship a very satisfactory thing. Careful to a degree, he has worked ujj an excellent conibination already, and with continuous practice together and growing skill oh the part of _the performers Wellington may yet possess an orchestra which will be the best of its kind in Australia or New Zealand. Results have come soon, for the violins, the backbone of any orchestra, show a high standard, and in tone, confidence and knowledge of their work do not yield place to any orchestra in the Dominion. They are all pupils of Mr de Mauny, and it says much for his teaching, even when it is admitted that as the leading instructor in the instrument he would get the best of the local material. The rest of the small orchestra of 35 pieces is composed of familiar names, old orchestral players, some of them brilliant soloists as well. It is a well balanced little band, and its performance was of high standard. On Saturday, before a packed Concert Chamber, the orchestra played tho Military' Syunpliony of naydn ; a broad, pathetic Largo, an animated March j (Allegro), an Allegretto in C Major witli masterly' use of the drums and tympani, a Minuet which is almost a dance minuet, and a playful and charming Presto with forcible intermezzos, unexpected pauses and elaborate treatment in harmonic changes. ’lbis was the piece de resistance, and was capably given. The Delibes Ballet Suite (“La Source”) also proved highly popular, and the vigorous “Danse Circassienne” had to be repeated, which it was at great pace. The charming “Mirella” Overture of Gounod, a lesser known work, was another thing which was worth while. There, jyas good playing in two melodies bv Grieg (“A la Norvegienne” and “Premiere Recontre”). and two other morceaux which found popularity were Jarnfelt’s “Berceuse” and the “Loin du Bal” of Gillet, which was played a second time. The assistance of Mrs Clinton Hunt made the concert memorable. This cultured and charming singer, accompanied by Madame de Mauny, sang a group of songs with much grace and nicety of diction. Her numbers were “L’heure Exquise” (Poldowski), “Menuet de Martin” (a Wekerlin arrange- | ment), Somervell’s “Shepherd's Cradle Song,” and Henschel's “Spring.” We could welcome more singers like Mrs Clinton Hunt.