ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

Observer, Volume 6, Issue 141, 26 May 1883, Page 150

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

Last Thursday week the Orchestra of the Choral Society gave, under the direction of Herr Carl Sehmitt, the best selected programme and best performed concert Auckland lias so far enjoyed. Two years ago such a concert would have been thought impossible, so dispersed and disorganised were the elements of musical ability iv this place. Now they have in a great degree gravitated round Herr Schmitt, and are still gravitating thither, and are every day exhibiting more of that spirit of subordination and enthusiasm which a good conductor never fails to excite. Perhaps there is no disposition so captious as that of the musical person or one less inclined to submit to enthroned inefficiency. Hence while we find some local musical organisations falling to pieces, we find the Choral Society ever increasing. That such an undisciplined community as this should have recognised the leadership of Herr Schmitt so soon, speaks volumes for his combination of the suaviter in modo with the fortiler Lire, which might be advantageously copied in some of the lesser musical walks of life in Auckland. The concert began with Mendelsshon's overture to " Huy Bias." This overture was given before at the opening of the Art Union, but not so well as on this occasion. The lack of violin-power was noticeable here and there, especially at the end, where the different branches of the orchestra are pitted against one another ; but the violins played well, as did also the reed instruments. It "was the orchestral flower of the concert. Gade's Scotch overture is rather beyond the powers of the orchestra as at present constituted, there being too much delicate light and shade iv it ; but it was very creditably rendered, and is a most delightful and desirable addition to the Society's repertoire. The orchestra also gave Hadyn's second symphony, Strauss' "Wiener Stiuiuier " waltzes, and a sparkling morceau of Herr Schmitt's, entitled "Overture de Concert/ Mr Edwards sang " Fair as a rose," from " Martha," as we have never heard it sung before ! Then followed a violin quintette, by Volkmann, in which Herr Schmitt led, ably assisted by Messrs Hemus, Clough, Edger, and Mackenzie. Miss Stepheuson sang " Softly sighs," from " Der Fruischutz,"— a most ambitious effort for so young a lady. She acquitted herself excellently, showing all the time a charming devotion to her conductor's beat, but which she must try to overcome if she wishes to give full scope to her promising voice. This young lady is the only singer here who shows symptoms of stage presence. If she will learn to advance, shake out her music, and take the audience into her confidence, she will be doing something novel. The trio for violin, violoncello, and pianoforte was, perhaps, the chief feature of the evening. In it, Mrs Von Haast, Herr Schmitt, and Mr Edger put forth their best powers to make it the great success it was. In the second part, Miss Corbett sang Gounod's " Berceuse," accompanied by Miss Eoy on the piano, and Herr Schmitt on the violin. Her performance was in the highest degree agreeable, both her voice and manner suiting the dulcet music of the lullaby, which two points vocalists do not sufficiently consider in selecting their songs. We fancy, however, that from nervousness or some other reason this lady keeps back a good deal of a more effective voice than it seems. Miss Corbett was most tastefully accompanied by Miss Hoy asd Herr Schmitt. "De Beriot's Duo," for violin and piano, was given by Herr Schmitt and Mr Hood. In this diflicult work they each showed what they are capable of, but such ajjiece de resistance is not to be taken up with lightly in the midst of other business avocations. There were also two vocal trios into which Miss Cnonell and Mr Stuart respectively tried their best to cast a little colour. One admirable feature of the concert was the accompanying of the vocal pieces. This is no light matter in which to excel either for an orchestra or an individual. Miss Roy is to be complimented on the one hand and Herr Schmitt upon the other. We trust the moderation shown by the orchestra in accompanying Miss Stephenson may not abate, but, rather, if anything, increase. The Choral Hall was not absolutely full as it ought to have been, considering the excellent nature of the concert, \ '">ut there was a " house " good enough to indicate i Ibut musical culture is rapidly growing. We are ! -.'vL-ijja to make Auckland a seat of science and i ie;.rn;M;, we should also strive to make it the ' rousic: 1 ! uK.-tropeii ■ o'i the Southern Hemisphere. V '■irt". .;,.: ,-.i,\v-it hi -jic i;;i;ure continue to send ,Vi '■ <-'.Li!lu"..vth i^vrrofiuy !'•;;• musical education. • L»>i|. .•;-■ a town !y twice ih>t size of Auckland — is ia ' musical m.Lr •■..vis of Europe, not Londu. ,or >§£&Ai r -Berii. i ■ uiid w hy should Sydney i o.' IdelborJi^^S^reafter he the bead -quarters of