Symphony Orchestra

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 4, 9 August 1929, Page 10

Symphony Orchestra

Second Recital from 2Y A THOSE who listened-in on Thursday night were treated to a musical feast when the Wellington Syinphony Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Leon dle Mauny, gave its second -recital.. The first half of the programme was devoted to the works of Beethoven, and the opening number was the overture, ‘Men of Prometheus." Although this work of Beethoven’s is not considered to rank very highly, it was, nevertheless a financial success, and enabled its composer to live in comfort for some time. The work was played with charming fluency, the duets between strings, and wood-wind being a feature of the performance. | The wind was, perhaps, a little too strong for the strings, and at times completely drowned the latter. However, the feeling of vigour and exhilaration which the master desires to convey was well expressed by the orchestra. ‘ The second number was one of the most enjoyable of the evening. ‘This was the "Romance in F" for violin and orchestra. The solo role was played by Mr. de Mauny, while a light accompaniment was conducted by Signor A. P. Truda, The tone of the violinist was mellow and rich, and expressed that delicacy and refinement that characterises this work of Beethoven's. The "magnum opus" of the evening

was the "Symphony Hroica." . This work, dedicated to Napoleon, is considered to be one of Beethoven's greatest and most difficult works. ‘The first movement, with its intricate melody, was played with sympathy, and the dialogue between string and wind left little to be desired, The. second movement, the funeral march, is typieally Beethoven, and contains a deep note of mourning played by the lower-pitch-ed wood-wind,.while string and. flutes combine in conveying the feeling of tears and sorrow, The .third movement is in charming contrast with the previous movement. Sorrow is forgotten, all is happinessa movement bubbling over with "jois de vivre," reminiscent of Mendelssohn in his happier. moments, But toward@® .W the end of this movement there is heard ° again that note of sadness. The finale was played with decision and firmness,.and ended an excellent performance of a difficult work, with a final burst. of triumphant music. The second half of the programme was devoted to the lighter masters. A fantasia from: "Tosca" was played with that light and shade which all of Puccini’s work demands. The last number was easily the besthandled of the evening’s works. The "Homage March" from "Sigurd Jorsalfar" is considered by some to be one of the finest and most stirring marches in existence, There is triumph in every note, and the great crescendo in the last movement sounded like the .. deep notes of the organ, in front of which the orchestra .was seated. So fine did the dndience deem this number that the applause did not cease until the conductor assented to repeat the last movement. This repetition brought a most enjoyable concert to a close, and one in which every individual member of the orchestra is to be congratulated for contributing to one of the most successful symphony concerts in Wellington’s musical history.