ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 199, 20 February 1914, Page 4

ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND.

AN UNIQUE PERFORMANCE. The Royal Artillery Band last night broke cuti.-f 1 v now "round in the history of band music in New Plymouth. In tile past such music litis generally meant that of a wholly bras* band—music which is not heard to the best advantage inside a theatre. The music of the Royal Artillery liaiul is widely different. It is that of a beautiful organ, played by a master, resDonding to his touch, answering his everv whira, and whether it be swelling in the tumultous passion of the matinee or shrilling out in plaintive song, at all times modulated and perfectly controlled. The programme submitted to a wellfilled house was fitted in its infinite variety to show the musical talent of the band in every phase and coloring. It opened with Wagner's grand march "Rionzi," and for a moment, no more, it seemed as though the music, as represented in the opening chords of brats instrument?, would orove too much for the enclosed space. This feeling at once gave way to wonder at the, delicate handling of the piece, which yet suffered no loss through its necessary modulation. As the items proceeded it became apparent that the bandsmen were masters in the art of descriptive music. "The Dance of tlw Dryads," "Woodland Serenade," and "Fauns in the Forest" were in turn delicately and caressingly handled, each motive in the theme being produced in a manner which brought the whole, lightsome scene viviulv before the, audience. Enthusiastic recalls erected these numbers. Then came the masterly conclusion to the lirst part of the programme, the band plungin" into Wagner'H "Entry of the Clods into Valhalla/ \ ividly descriptive, the music ihowed the mist enveloping the mountain regions which surrounded Valhalla. Then swings the mighty hammer of the God of Thunder, crashing in the music of tha band, sweeping umvards in a thundering chord which tore open the gates of Valhalla before the very eyes of the audience. Again the music was muted, and a dazzling melodious rainbow hanging over a chasm, and the admiration of the gods were gloriously interpreted. Last of all came the wailing cry of the river maidens from up the Inline, and the number ended with their plaintiv" melody. Such is the descriptive work in which the band excels. One other outstanding feature of the first half of the programme was a recall number, ''Wiener lladl'n," in which a charming feature was a whistling chorus to the accompaniment of a harp, an item go striking in its simple beauty that it had to be repeated for the' enthusiastic audience. In the concluding portion of the programme the band broke more familiar ground. The "Invitation ala Valse" was well received, and was followed by a piccolo solo, "The Wren," by Corporal E. Reynolds. The piccolo is it charming instrument when well played, and a recall number, by the same composer, had to be contributed. Then came an item which fairly brought down the house. Rossini's overture from "William Tell" has often been played by bands and orchestras in New Plymouth, but never by the Royal Artillery Band, and the audience showed its appreciation enthusiasticaly. The Royal Artillery March concluded a magnificent concert. The second and final concer' in New Plymouth, and the last of the band's New Zealand tour, will be played ii/the Recreation Grounds this afternoon. A programme entirely different from that played last evening will be presented. Granted reasonably good weather, the concert should be most enjoyable, as few better situations could be found for such an entertainment; and the pro gramme, consisting of popular items, should iiml full appreciation in all quarters. A number of seats available for reservation are being provided in the oval, and the plan of these sc.'.ts will be open at Mr, It. Collier's till this afternoon. A special train is being run from Bawera and intermediate stations to-day, and will return after the concert.