ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2161, 17 August 1907, Page 2

ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.

■ There was an excellent attendance tit His Majesty’s Theatre last night when the Gisborne Orchestral Society gave the first concert of their fifteenth season. The opening item was tho overture “Light Cavalry” (Von Suppo). The composition is of a very bright character, but tho orchestration was thin and the members of the orchestra did not have a proper opportunity to show their skill. The intermezzo “Quietude” (Gregh) was a more suitable composition and created a very good impression. In parts the rendition was all that could be desired, but in others it was far from good. The violins had a pretty pizzicato accompaniment to play, but tho tone was very ragged, and the brass in places absolutely drowned the rest of the orchestra. The drums also jarred somewhat, and the Society should certainly consider the advisability of superseding the drums used by a sot of timpani. A selection from “Rip Van Win'kle” (Plnnquette) was also given, but in this as in the opening item there wore no real orchestral opportunities. There was a large amount of excellently-executed cornet solo work; and in response to an encore part of tho selection was repeated. The first two movements of Haydn’s Symphony in D, with which the second part of tho programme was openod, was the best work of the evening. A good body of well-modulated sound was maintained -throughout, and the balance was consistently perfect. The introduction is a fine piece of work and was done full justice to by the orchestra, Mr. Jas. Chrisp contributed Schubert’s Andante and Cava tine as a cornet solo, being accompanied by the orchestra. The item was excellently rendered and a portion was repeated in response to an encore. The march “Viscount Nelson” (Zchle) had no special features, and though well played it is hardly suitable for orchestral rendition.

Between the orchestral items songs were given by To Rangi Pai and Messrs. J. C. E. Kissling and TV. Grace. The former is well Known to Gisborne audiences, and she sang her items, “My Ships,” “O, That' We Two Were Maying,” “A Life Lesson” and two encore pieces, with her usual skill and charm. Mr. Kissling was hardly convincing in “Across the Far Blue Hills,” .which demanded far more color than he put into it. Mr. Grace was encored for his spirited singing of “Tho Diver,” and responded with “A Bandit’s Life,” which was also well received.

Mrs. Hooper and Miss Mcllhone acted as accompaniments to the singers.