BOHEMIAN CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 459, 14 September 1928, Page 15

BOHEMIAN CONCERT

AN EXCELLENT PROGRAMME An almost packed house greeted the Bohemian Orchestra at its third concert of the season, given at the Town Hall last evening. The orchestra had the assistance of the Royal Auckland Choir, which reciprocated similar services rendered by the orchestra a few weeks ago. The joint effort resulted in a pleasingly varied and very enjoyable programme. The principal orchestral number of the evening, and that attracting most interest, was the Zoological Fantasia, “Le Carnaval des Animaux,” of €3aintSaens. There was added interest from the fact that last evening’s pei'formance was the first given by -an orchestra in New Zealand. The music has only recently been published, and it was made available to the orchestra through the kindness of Dr. G. De Clive Lowe. The work consists of 14 highly descriptive themes. In some instances they are in humorous vein and exaggerated for that purpose, but in others dainty little melodies are incorporated. The arrangement has been skilfully worked out, and even if in some instances the description is inclined to be a little too obvious, the suite undoubtedly provides amusement and enjoyment.

In addition to the various orchestral parts the suite is scored for two pianos, the soloists last evening being Messrs. Cyril Towsey and G. H. Woolley. Both artists entered thoroughly into the spirit of the thing, and gave fine performances, confider.ee and decision being particularly noticeable. Under the direction of Mr. Colin Muston, the orchestra co-ordinated well, excellent work being shown by the various parts entrusted with the several themes. Special mention must be made of the fine performance of the Swan Song by one of the violoncello players, and the work of the flutes, harmonica and pianos in the seventh movement, the “Aquarium,” an exquisite little theme. Verve and spirit were exhibited by the orchestra in the “Slav” March of Tschaikowsky. This essentially patriotic march, typically Slavonic in colour and rhythm was handled with fine decision The characteristic Spanish dance, “Salterello,” by Gounod, Svendsen’s “Romeo Juliet,” in which interest somewhat lags, and Herbert’s “Irish Rhapsody,” were also commendably played. The Royal Auckland Choir, conducted by JDr. W. G. Thomas, was warmly recalled for a good performance of the part song “Strike The Lyre” (Cooke). Felicien David’s symphonic ode, “The Desert,” was again well performed, this time under the direction of Mr. Colin Muston. On this occasion the tenor solos, “O Lovely Night” and “Evening Meditation,” were sung byMr. Lambert Harvey. Led by Miss Edith Whitelaw the orchestra rendered valuable assistance in the descriptive accompaniments.

“Abie’s Irish Rose,” the Paramount Picture of the famous play by Anne Nichols, is to benefit by the recent revolutionary- developments in the field of sound synchronisation. Sound effects will be added to certain of the more important sequences and will increase the realism of the production.