CARLYLE HARMONIC SOCIETY.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 288, 19 January 1878, Page 2

CARLYLE HARMONIC SOCIETY.

The second concert of the above Society was given in the Town Hall, Carlyle, on Wednesday evening last. The day was very stormy, and in the evening there were no indications of a clear up. Under the circumstances the attendance may be considered good. During the time the concert was talcing place there were heavy downpours of rain. New arrangements had been made for pianist, band, and conductor, who were ranged on % platform to the left hand of the stage, thus giving more room for the singers on the stage. The alteration was an improvement which may be counted as fully worth the trouble the managers had taken in getting it made. Very giave doubts were entertained by outsiders as to the ability of the Society creditably to perform selections from the “Messiah.” The result has dispelled all doubts, and proved how much a few earnest workers may accomplish. The choruses throughout were performed with confidence and credit, the parts being well taken up all rounefi* the voices blending, and the effect such as to create general and pleasingsurprise amongst the audience. _ The Hallelujah chorus, at first lacked spirit, but the performers soon warmed to the work, and considering the strength of the company, the piece was excellently performed. The pieces selected gave ample scope for lady performers to distinguish themselves. The heaviest work naturally was entrusted to the lady who has so often proved herself worthy of confidence, and her efforts on Wednesday evening received special marks of approbation. Others, however, who on previous occasions, have shown capabilities above the average, sang carefully and well, and were rewarded by hearty applause, and beautiful boquets of flowers which were thrown from the body o£ the hall. The favorite tenor was not in his usual good voice, but sti il rendered bis piece effectively, and was warmly applauded. The bass also received a fair share of appreciation. The heaviest work fell on the lady who presided at the piano, who performed excellently, and together with the conductor, and other performers, is deserving of the highest commendation for the treat which was afforded lo all who attended Wednesday evening’s concert. The second part consisted of miscellaneous pieces, and was opened by an overture by the band, which was warmly applauded, followed by the full chorus, “ Hark! Appollo strikes the lyre,” which was very well performed. A bass song, “Theßritish Lion,” brought fortlieiitluisia-

stic encores, find was followed by a sort o£ nursery chorus, “ 0, hush thee my baby.” The scng, “ ’Tis when to sleep,” was somewhat of a novelty and being well sung was loudly encored. 11 She wore a wreath of roses,” was sweetly sung, and vociferously encored, boquets being showered on the fair performer. The waltz by the band was somewhat ont of sorts. “ Mollie Darling” was pleasingly sung and warmly encored, other marks of appieciation being also awarded. “The Yeoman’s wedding song,” showed an improvement on past performances and was encored. The concluding chorus, “0, who will o’er the downs so free,” brought an enjoyable evening’s entertainment to a close in an agreeable manner. The very general satisfaction expressed at the result of the concert, as regards actual performance, should encourage the Society to renewed effort.- With better weather,- the concert would have been equally successful from a pecuniary point of view, and would have somewhat lightened the heavy expenses necessarily incurred. The thanks of the community are due alike to conductor, vocalists and instrumentalists ,- and we trust a crowded house will greet them on their next appearance.