AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 351, 31 March 1910, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

THE BESSES &' TH' B£RN BAND. It is averred that help 'being struck when' listening-"to 'tHe, Besses o' th' Barn, who give perform-' ances in New Plymouth on Saturday, April 9, under Messrs J. and N. Tait's sole management,, by noting the possession by them of every quality that contributes to the- splem.'d- exposition of their powers. The pret'sion of their attack is wonderful, and try as one might, one could not discern signs of raggedness in the most intricate passages. Whether the whole cornet or any section is playing together or a solo part is being undertaken it is impossible to detect, except visibly, so faf as their absolute accuracy and simultaneity of not-: is concerned'. The blend and balance of the combination is, of course, beyond criticism and the tone, power and flexibility of every performer must be heard to be appreciated. The swelling effects produced and the accompaniments played, irresistibly conjure up comparison with ..a full organ manipulated by a mastt.>*. But one might go on analysing every quality of the band, and in every instance he would have no alternative but to lavish praise on it and on its celebrated conductor, Mr. Alexander Owen, who has indeed achieved a triumph in training and leadership. The enthusiasm of the audience grows in intensity and insistence for encores as the evening proceeds, the surest test of appreciation. The modeau d« - resistance is grand 'selection from Rossini's-, works, arranged by the conductor, l-nt items on one particular programme include "Tannhauser's" march, Suppe's "Voet and Peasant" overture, xylophone solo, "Marguerite" waltz, based on '•Faust," "Carmen," "Memories of Britain" and a euphonium solo, all .erving tc prove the finish of v he band to display the ability of the soloists Amoi.g encores are "Lead, Kindlv lij.<ht," the sublime rendering of which revealed new beauties in the wonderful eld hymn, and it must sound bathet'c to mention in the same sentence "T h e Merrv Widow'' waltz, in which one is almost impelled to rise and dance to 4 he haunting melody. Full pariiculars respecting prices, opening of box plans a:'d booking by post facilities in later issi'ts.