The Greytown Philharmonic Society.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 3063, 24 November 1888, Page 2

The Greytown Philharmonic Society.

On "Wednesday night the Philharmonic Society held their first concert at the Palace Hall, Unfortunately the weather was wet and boisterous which doubtless prevented a "full house,", yet, notwithstanding, there was a very ,fair audience present, Tbe presont unfinished state of the Hall's interior fittings, neccesitated a kind of oxtemporial arrangement asregards stage fittings. The performers, vocal anil instrumental, wero about 40 in number, tho harmonious precision of tho orchestra (especially in the strongest instruments) reflects much credit ■upon .their painstaking leader—Mr Varnham—the ability of tho pianist (Miss Bowler), iB too woll-known to need criticism,' The concert opened with ■an overture" Maroli aii Flambeaus," 'followed by the new patriot song in .four parts, sung hi full chorus " the Empire Flag " by tho .vocalists, tho ladios and gentlemen woaring appropriate emblems,, tho' former, treble, blue sashes, contralto, ' red sashes, many of thorn in white dresses, the.latter blue rosette, The effect was novel; the singing somewhat deficient, both iu time and tune. A solo followed by Mr Black " Will o tho Wisp,"' capitally rendered and encored, then a quartette: " Pro fundo .basso," Mrs Shearer,; Miss Baillie, Messrs Shearer and Gamble, this waa'aiso encqrod s then song by Miss Bowler' !'Going . .to "Market," eliciting fan encore; then a piano duet by the Misses .My, very prettily played, followed% a solo " Death of Nelson," by Mr Gamble—this geni .tleman under proper musical training. would make a brilliant tenor .singer. ■ A ; full chorus !i El Dorado'' brought the fjrst part of the programme to a conclusion.

The second portioirtpened with an oyev tnre'' Turkish- Patrol Marcli" bj tho Philharmonio orMiestraVfbllo'wed ,by a fi}ll cliprn? ."jßlowery month ol June/'' and a soug |! Children's

Voices'! by Mrs jShearer.■ A trio .by Miss ißojvlef and; Messrs .Blaek.' aiid Gftmble ps very well rendered; and applauded. The Eov. Mr Dellow then'followed with a soloi" The lost Chord" (Sullivan). This gentleman has a powerful yet mellow baritone voice; mid sang with, r pathos, that fairly "brought down tho house" lor an encore.'; The 4-part old-time song " In .the Lonely Valo ■ of Bti'oanis," wng liicely l'ondered by half-a-dozeu members, .There was also a solo I with; a hidden chorus, which'soimded fairly' well.' Then followed' a full chorus by the Society "Parting and Meeting," the concert concluding with. "God ;Save the Queen" all standing. ■-'•ln reporting a purely amateur concert, individual oritioisin is somewhat inyidousj .yet,, notwithstanding, it may not be out of place to suggest to this and simile societies the great need that-exists on the part of singing members for training; in what is understood by professionals as" vocalization," or in other words " how to be bo, musically, distinct 'in their articulation, and in the proper expression of the sense of the words or.sentencestobesung."