AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 53, 25 May 1927, Page 15

AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA

OPENING CONCERT Although a rearrangement of the concert date was considered advisable in view of the Zimbalist recital in the adjoining hall, the postponement of the Aeolian Orchestra’s concert apparently had no effect on the “house,” there being a very satisfactory attendance at the Town Hall concert chamber last evening when the first concert of this organisation's sixth season was submitted. The presentation of an all-British programme for the opening concert was certainly a very commendabe feature, and in view of the fact that the date coincided with Empire Day also proved very appropriate. At the same time it is to be regretted that a more representative selection could not have been arranged. With the exception of German’s “Henry VIII” dances, Elgar’s “Chanson de Nuit,” and a couplex of Irish airs by Percy Grainger, British composers were not represented at full strength. The constant repetition of

“Maritana” and “Mikado” selections in orchestral and band programmes, although undoubtedly popular, is apt to become wearisome, and tend to defeat the real object of such a programme—the fostering of British composition. The same fault was also to be found in the choice of items by the soloists. Even as a concession to the public, “An Old-Fashioned Town” and “The Lost Chord,” as representatives of good English songs, can hardly be excused.

With the orchestra, minus the services of several players as a result of the postponement, one or two weaknesses could not be avoided. The shortage of wood-wind players in Auckland also affects this combination, and no doubt accounted for a weakness apparent in this department last evening where a rather obvious gap existed. Although at times inclined to drag, the work of the strings was fairly good. With the exception of the brass, which at times sounded a note of uncertainty, attacks and releases were commendably clean.

Mr. W. Edgar Webb had his forces under good control, and as the season advances a promising combination should result from the material at his disposal. Of the orchestral items two excerpts from “Three Dances,’ from the music to “Henry VIII” (German), proved the most enjoyable. The first, a dainty Morris dance, was well handled, and offered a nice contrast to the more deliberate measure of the "Shepherd’s Dance.” This number was followed by Elgar’s “Chanson de Nuit,” but in which the strings did not appear to as good advantage. The two Grainger numbers, “Molly on the Shore,” and the “Londonderry Air,” also proved popular, although it was in the “Mikado” seelction, in which the most confidence was exhibited, that the combination appeared to the best advantage. Additional items were: “Washington Grays” (Grafula), overture to "Maritana” (Wallace), “Intermezzo—‘Jours Passes’ ” (Horne), and “The Rose” (Myddleton).

Possessing a contralto voice of even and pleasing quality, Miss Phyllis Gribbin created a much better impression in the latter portion of the programme with Elgar’s “Like to a Damask Rose” and Massenets "Open Thy Blue Eyes.” than was the case with her opening numbers, “The Lost Chord” (Sullivan) and a recall item

"Betty’s Garden” (Sanderson), neither of which were very suitable. Mr. H. Richards opened with “Ailsa Mine” (Adams), contributing “An Old-Fash-ioned Town” in response to a recall. Although his voice was pleasing enough in quality, Mr. Richards was inclined to force his top notes, which hardened in consequence. On his second appearance the tenor contributed "Like Stars Above,” by Squires, reserving Purcell’s "Passing By” for the recall, which was unanimously extended.

As accompanist Miss Winifred Cook gave every satisfaction.