BAND RECITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1920, Page 5

BAND RECITAL.

BY WANGANUI REGIMENTAL BAND. The visit of the Queen Alexandra Band to New Plymouth in connection with the Ngamotu Seaside Committee's annual picnic was a great success, which was "topped off" by the recital given in the Empire Theatre last night. The building was almost filled, but on the playing of the Band in the afternoon it was surprising there were any vacant seats. The programme was a lengthy one, and the encores given extended it bo much that the Meyerbeer test selection, "Robert Diavolo," had to be omitted, much to the regret of many patrons, and also a request for the "William Tell" overture. The Band's first item was the contest march, "The Patagonian" (Trussell), which was played in splendid Btyle. This was followed by the selection, "Wagner's Works" (Wagner), which was one of the best items of the evening.' The chromatic work of the trombone and bass sections in the early part of the work was executed in good style and very tunefully, while the syncopated passages were cleanly covered, being played with nice precision. The work of the euphoniums was also very praiseworthy, and the cornets and horns were very effective. Other items by the Band were Balfe's "Bohemian Girl," Suppe's popular "Poet and Peasant," and, finally, the regimental march "New Colonial." Throughout, the work of the bund was most pleasing. The tone for the most part was good, quite an ovgan-like effect being produced in many places. In attack the combination is sharp and decisive, while their releases were pleasing and precise. Crescendos and diminuendos were very evenly produced, and the Band all the time was under splendid control, and was amenable to the slightest sign from the conductor, which betokened good training in the rending of their leader's ideas of interpretation, as well as of the music placed before them. Bandsman Chas. Austin played the euphonium solo "Le DouxArnour" (Royle) very effectively, and the accompaniment work of the Band'was most effective.

The Band was ably assisted by several Wanganui artists. Mrs. Grant (soprano) who was encored each time she appeared, sang her extra numbers with even better effect than'those for which she was billed, her singing of the "String of Pearls" and "A Perfect Day" (by request), with violin obligate by Hiss Price, being very pleasing and effective. Miss Violet Price, A.i'.C.L. (violiniste) played a "Valse Brindisi," by Alard, witli groat executive skill, and had to respond to a recall. Later in the evening she appeared' in a duet with Mr Walter Shepley (concertina), when tliey playel "Mazura" (Melnarski), and were enthusiastically recalled.

Mr. Shipley's concertina solos were a revelation to those who have not heard liim before. He whs recalled for hU playing of Nc.vin's "The Rosary," and for a second recall he played a medley of airs, finishing up with an imitation of bagpipes, which was greatly appreciated Mr. J. Dempsev was very successful with his 'cello solo, and had to appear twice.

Mr. If. Gallagher sang several songs, the audience expressing its appreciation in a hearty manner. The elocutionist of the evening was exPrivate Bob Howell, who proved a clever entertainer, None of his selections were new, but he gave them all in a distinctive stylo which instantly appealed to the audience.

The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Cirant and Miss V. Price. At the conclusion of the concert the visitors were entertained to supper at May and Arrowsmith's, ft'lien "Mr. Hayden, on behalf of the Society, thanked them for their services, and voiced the general appreciation of their work. Lieut. Geo. Buckley (conductor) suitably responded. The Band returns to Wanganni today.