AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 403, 11 July 1928, Page 12

AEOLIAN ORCHESTRA

IMPROVED COMBINATION Marked improvement was shown bpr the Aeolian Orchestra at the second concert of its seventh season given at the Town Hall Concert Chamber last evening. Although the programme submitted was not very exacting, the works, generally speaking, were well performed. Better tone and balance were also obtained, although various parts yet require building up. The work of the strings was quite good, particularly in the legato passages, where a nice even tone was well sustained. Kenneth Alford's march, “The Thin Red Line,” provided an appropriately stirring opening, the orchestra treating the number with confidence and providing quite a satisfactory performance. The overture, “Queen of Autumn’ (Bigge), which followed, was perhaps the orchestra’s most successful number. The opening passage, handled principally by the basses, was given with full broad tone, and in pleasing contrast to the dainty allegro theme that followed. Maurice Besly, an English composer, whose outspoken criticism of Australian music has lately raised a storm of protest from that country, was represented on the programme by g “Lullaby for a Modern Infant.” It is not a particularly attractive piece. Other orchestral numbers were a fantasia, “Plantation Songs,” by G. H* Clutsam, an ex-New Zealander; OlseFs “Petite Rapsodie Russe”; Handel'* “Minuet” from “Samson”; a highland patrol. “The Wee Macgregor” (Amers); Prelude to “Carmen”: and a selection from the “Belle of New York.”

Under the direction of Mr. W. Edgar Webb the orchestra showed good control, decisive attacks and clean releases being a pleasing feature. Mr. F. M. Price ably led the orchestra.

Mrs. F. Basham, the possessor of a rich contralto voice, sang Robandis “Alla Stella Confidente” with a violin obbligato by Mr. F. M. Price. Mrs. Basham, who is a well-known former in many parts of the North Island, sings with considerable artistry, and her work was indeed pleasing. Her encore number was also weJ received. Later in the evening the contralto sang a Schubert bracket, “The Enquirer” and “Impatience,” both receiving good treatment.

Mr. W. Gemmell, a baritone of considerable repute in the South Island, and a comparatively recent arrival i® Auckland, was the other soloist. His opening number, Cowen’s “Onaway, Awake.” was given in good declamatory style. It was a good number sung. His encore was in direct trast—a pleasing little number entitled “Five Little Piccaninnies,” which he sang with taste and expression. “ 1S following number, “Macgregors Gathering,** also proved very popular, and an extra number was insisted upon. Mia* Maida Hooker was a very able accompanist.