AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 343, 2 May 1928, Page 15

AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA

FIRST CONCERT Although, several weaknesses made themselves apparent, particularly in the wood-wind section, the Aeolian Orchestra, with its first concert of the seventh season, given in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening, showed itself to be a greatly improved combination. In attacks and releases the orchestra shows more decision, and despite one or two gaps that still require strengthening, the general tone is more satisfying. The strings show marked improvement, their work last evening being quite good. Excepting that the slow introductory section, with its flowing melody, was rather slurred and disconnected in parts, the overture to Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” was pleasingly handled, as also was the “Pilgrims’ March” (“Italian Symphony”), Mendelssohn, though here the work was again slightly marred by the wood-wind.

The Sullivan selection, a composer which the orchestra appears to have rather an aptitude for, was the best performance. This selection, which is drawn mostly from “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Yeomen of the Guard,” and “The Gondoliers,” was warmly recalled.

Beethoven’s “Adagio,” from the “Pathetic Sonata,” with the exception of a slight misunderstanding on the part of the brass, was quite a commendable performance. Other items by the orchestra were “Distant Greetings” . (Doring), “The Nightingale” (Klein), march from “Scipio” (Handel), and incidental music to the “Merchant of Venice,” by Rosse, which, however, is hardly to be compared with the Shakespearean music of Sir Edward German.

A piccolo solo. “Chant du Rossignol,” was played with peasing effect by Mr. G. Garder and orchestra. Under the direction of Mr. Edgar Webb, the orchestra showed quick response to control, and requirements of light and shade were faithfully observed.

In a soprano solo, “The Song of the Open” (Laforge), Miss Alma McGruer made a popular appeal, and an additional number was demanded. Mr. Ripley was also warmly applauded for his “O Vision Entrancing” (Thomas), and also had to oblige with an extra number. The vocalists also appeared in two duets, “The Garden of Your Heart” (Dorell) and “A Night in Venice” (Donizetti). Mrs. Arthur Ripley proved an able accompanist.

, Johnnv Mack Brown who appeared with Marion Davies in ' The Fair Coed” and with Greta Garbo in “The Divine Woman.” will have the principal male role in Metro-Gold wynMayer’s "The Dancing Girl,” in which Joan Crawford will be featured.