PHILHARMONIC CONCERT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 2 December 1880, Page 2

PHILHARMONIC CONCERT.

The twelfth concert of the Philharmonic Society, given last night, differed essentially from any of its predecessors by reason of the varied and popular tone of the programme, which comprised some highly artistic, musical novelties. The success of the performance was very largely due to the playing of Mrs. C. G-. Moore, who presided at the piano. This lady's solo, " Alice where art. tliou," on one of u Lipp's" upright grands, was a masterpiece of execution, the air, dearly distinguishable throughout, sounded as it were a voice accompanied by brilliant and exquisite variations.- The audience would not be denied at the conclusion, and obtained in response a pleasing composition, entitled '' The poacher's song." The glees given were all quite, new, and had been selected carefully. It is always difficult to procure fresh part music that will meet the general taste, and yet b§ intrinsically good, and we think the pieces of this class rendered last night were quite equal to those usually taken by kindred Societies. ({ Hail to the chief" and JTield flowers" went, the best, and were " A. wife's sorur" started rather unsteadily, and the basses in " Phoebus'' paid too little attention to the conductor's baton in the rallentando movements.

The first sons on the list "Fleecy Qlouds," with English conoertina obbligato, showed great pare and a just appreciation of the oompoaer's writing. It well deserved an encore. The accompaniments were all that could be desired. Mr, G. Jones gave a violin solo, a morceau by Raff, in his happiest style. " Flowers of the Garden," a very pretty duet by Glover followed, and was sung very pleasingly. Miss K*. Hardy's song the " Convent Cell," a gem of jgalfe'Sj narrowly escaped an encore, The second part was opened by Mrs. Moore with " Novelette by Schumann in F major," a performance worthy a better place op the programme. In Ma,cfarren's trio, " The three dream 3," the voices blended most harmoniously, and had the piece no,t been rather Jong it could not have e§caped a repetition. "Carissima" given by Mrs. Kinnear caused immense applause, which that lady acknowledged gracefully. One of the most striking points in the entertainment was a duo, " selections from Zampa," bv Mr. Rock (English concertina) a,nd Isrs." Moore (pianoforte). The instruments kept admirably together, and were in good tune. Mr. Rock's mastery over the concertina is altogether exceptional for an amateur, and j we hope to hear him on many future I occasions.; Mrs. Fraser's song " She aang among the flowers" was heartily applauded, Last, • but not least, Mr. Blakesley played the zithe r , taking for his theme "La mia Letizia," from Yerdi's "I' Lombardi." The sweet faint echoes of his instruriient were listened to with rapt attention, and he could not refuse to comply with a re-demand, in response to which he gav? • • last rose of surni^ar,". We cannot bring this notice to an end I without remarking that all those who took prominent positions last night showed 'evidence of study. They had all endeavored to render themselves perfect in their numbers as far as possible, with the result of a manifest improvement in this respeot ; but we would suggest that amateur singers generally are apt to appear lackadaisical, and do not sing with sufficient soul. This is a mannerism rather than a defect, and could be easily corrected. - Mr. J. G. Finch acted as conductor with his usual care and skill.

Tiae next, and concluding concert of the | series will be Handel's " Messiah," to be .given about two months henoe.