TEMUKA MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2397, 10 September 1892, Page 3

TEMUKA MUSICAL SOCIETY.

The first concert given by the above society, which took place on Thursdayevening in the Parish Hall, was what is theatrically called a “ frost,” the attendance being under fifty. This naturally had a depressing effect, and no doubt somewhat marred the enjoyment of both performers and audience. The concert, however, has tended to show that there is much musical material in Temuka, although the material is as yet far from developed, and needs a lot of finishing. The programme was an ambitious one for an initial performance, and possibly more pleasing results would have been attained by the rendering of items of a lighter character. The performers being exclusively amateurs should be of course exempt from criticism. Any remarks, therefore, that may be made must be accepted in a friendly spirit, and as actuated by a desire to further the ends of the society. The performance opened with an instrumental selection, “To Pltalienne a Alger” ( 'Rossini), by what is now generally known as the quintette party, Miss Wethoy, however, taking Miss Quinn’s place at the piano. This was a very good performance, although 'Mr McCarthy had an undue share of the work, having to sustain the lead throughout. The second item by the society, the overture from “ The Bohemian Girl,” was charming, the solos by Mr McCarthy being particularly well rendered. The part songs by members of the society were “ 0 fiy with me,” “ Morning Prayer,” “ The Cam ovale,” “ The Forester,” “ Farewell to the Forest,” “As it fell upon a day,” and “ Awake AEolian Lyre,” a rather heavy list, considering the short time the society has been in existence. Among tlm performers, however, are several proficient vo'eriists, and under Mr Rutland’s conductorship eaeh item was rendered without a hitch, although there was a decided lack of balance. This is not to bo attributed solely to the performers, but to the fact of several of the tenors absenting themselves from various causes. Mr E. Whitehead contributed to the programme “ A Hundred Fathoms Deep.” He was in fair voice, but his enunciation was not quite so distinct as it might have been. Miss Russell sang Pinsuti’s « Three Wishes,” a very pretty song, into which she conveyed a good deal of expression. Mrs Hayhurst and Miss Nantes gave a duet, “ The Elf King,” in finished stylo, and later on Mrs Hayhurst sang “la Old Madrid ” charmingly. This was certainly the most pleasing item of the evening. Mr Low displayed considerable ability in his rendering of “ Out on the Deep.” He produces his voice properly, and with more practice in its manipulation w r ill make a nice singer. The R.ov. Mr Dellow gave a cultivated rendering of “ The Last Muster,” a somewhat sad descriptive song. A very pretty gong, “La Serenata,” was selected by Miss E. Pilbrow, who possesses a voice which, with a little more cultivation, should be of much service to the society. The song was rendered very correctly, to the accompaniment Mr McCarthy played a violin obligato. “ Sweet and Low,” a quartette by Misses Russell and Nantes and the Rev. Mr Gillam and Mr Low, lacked finish, attributable, perhaps, to the fact that the performers had not had an opportunity of reheai’sing together. The Rev. Mr Gillam was recalled for his song, “ The Powder Monkey,” which he sang with considerable expression. Miss Lee sang “ Ora pro Nobis ” very creditably. Her enunciation was clear and distinct, and the only fault was a lack of depth and fullness of expression. “ The Midshipmite,” the last solo upon the programme, was entrusted to Mr Strong, who possesses a powerful voice. He, however, was considerably out of tune, and should be chary of attempting solos for a time. On the whole, Mr Rutland is to be congratulated on the progress the society has made. With regular practice they will yet give a good account of themselves. It is to bo hoped that they will not be discouraged by the small attendance on Thursday night, but will persevere, when no doubt they will sing to a larger audience later on. The accompaniments were played by Miss Wethey, who was occasionally assisted by Miss Nantes and Miss Dellow.