MR. W. EDGAR WEBB

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 506, 8 November 1928, Page 14

MR. W. EDGAR WEBB

AEOLIAN CONDUCTOR RESIGNS HIS LAST CONCERT After having wielded the baton over the Aeolian Orchestra since its commencement, Mr. W. Edgar Webb has now resigned the position. His last appearance as conductor was on Tues-

day evening, when the last concert of the season was given. Mr. Webb has seen the orchestra grown from a comparatively small beginning to its present encouraging proportions. The organisation of an orchestra in its early growth, with the ever-present difficulty of arranging for missing or weak parts, is no light task, but this has been accomplished, and to-day the orchestra is firmly on its feet, and has attained a good standard. When the orchestra was formed it was realised that there was a need for such an organisation which, although not conflicting with any other body, would perform useful service in on younger players. In this department much good work has been accomplished, thanks to the untiring energy of its late conductor and an energetic committee. In retiring, Mr. Webb has expressed through The Sun his appreciation of the loyal co-operation always extended to him by the members of the orchestra, and also the valuable assistance given by other musical bodies in the city. In addition to the Aeolian Orchestra, Mr. Webb is also conductor of the Birkenhead and Northcote Orphans’ orchestra, a position which he may be be resigning in order that he may be able to devote more attention to other branches of his musical activities. Mr. Webb is also well known as a ’cellist and pianist.

“By the Blue Hawaiian Waters,” and “Jungle Drums”—Patrol, played by the band of H.M. Grenadier Guards (Columbia 02671), are two new works by Keteiby? The Hawaiian tone picture is, of founded on the native musical idiom and introduces the spirit of the Hula and Karaka dances, and also the dance of the Betrothal Ceremony. The “Jungle Drums” is sufficiently barbaric to appeal to the senses of everyone. With admirable restraint Keteiby manages to keep actual drum music out of the score. The awesome rhythm of the piarch is obtained through clever phrasing in the heavy reeds and brass basses.

There is effervescent gaiety in the two arias i“lnesta o Mella” and “Donna e Mobile,” from Verdi's “Rigoletto,” and exquisitely sung by the young Italian tenor, Lomelino Silva, whose singing was one of the sensations of the last season at La Scala. Here is a voice of power, -with a sweetness in the mezza voce passages, and withal the lilt of the light-hearted duke of Montica. (H.M.V. DA798.)