THE WELLINGTON AND CONTEST.

Inangahua Times, Volume X, Issue 1618, 26 October 1885, Page 3

THE WELLINGTON AND CONTEST.

The following is the judge's detailed report on the hands which took second and third prizes : — INVERCARGILL BAND. This hand possessed a perfect set, of instruments by one maker. The pro-rraiD'ne was wholly operatic, and was'snleiididly pl*y* J d, the bandmaster Mr W. V. Seddall playing solo cornet and acting as condnctor. The test section was Rossini's « William Tel! " The music is not exceedingly difficult, though florid at times. The solos were easy, and within the range of less capable instrumentalists, one^cadence alone for the euphonium havi ng metal in it, G below to C above the stave. It contains 50 more bars than "Les Huguents," though not so many changes of time. It was well played, and the band was nicely balanced. The band suffered generally from one of those accidents which will happen at times. A note iv the wrong place marring the closing of a beautiful rendering of this selection. No such mishap has occurred during the contest to any of the other bands, which makes the matter all the more serious. (Points 99.) Sufficient care had not been paid to tuning, and the hand suffered more or less all the evening from this cause, for there was no apparent sign of nervousness. By comparison the previous bands have a considerable advantage iv this test. (Points 91.— The weakest part, however was •• expression." This does not mean that " forte " and •• piano," " crescendo" and " diminuendo" were not well taken, for, as a matter of fact, they were; but there was too much paper work; no freedom, or heart work, or fervency— nothing to make oue feel that Rossini was himself interpreting his own music. Grand individuality there was, hut great lack of sympathy collectively. (Points 96.) In solo paying this band is fortuuate in possessing general first class men, the euphonium E flat bass, drummer and solo cornet, taking a higher average then any other band on the list. (Points 100.) The strength of the band came out more fully in the sightreading test. Whatever mistake occurred the first time through was in every instance corrected when the repeat was taken. By oversight the leading cornets were handed two piano parts. The tougneing was therefore all played the third below. The effect was peculiar. They, however, played all that was before them, aud that grandly. There was uot a single silent in it during the whole test. (Points 100.) The remarks uuder the various headings above referred to affect to some extent the final test— —viz., "general efficiency," that is, " time aud expression," aud apply to the remaining numbers on the programme as well as the test selection. (Points 94.) christchurch garrison band. The Christchurch Baud, uuder Mr W. Dorn, performed on Saturday, September 12. The programme was a mixture of good and bad, and will not compare favourably with the first and second prize winners. There were three themes by one composer, (Round), wliich was too many. Con chiding with a set of quadrilles, after a grand selection like "'Judas Maccabseiis," was not a wise course to decide upon. The band is a good one, and gave evidence of a lot of hard practice. The men were all young musicians ; many were suffering from nervodsness and want of experience. If expression had been ou a level with correct playing this band would have Wen hard to beat. They were well balanced both iv loud and soft pas sages, and richly deserve the hononr able position to which they have attained. The test selection was •* Reminiscences of Verdi," and was well played. In the opening movement the second cornet was painfully flat, in fact, this player seemed to be able to play in and out of tune at will. The leading cornets are coming men, harsh playing being conspicuous by its abfeetice, tone also being very good. There was lack of power and musical experience. This applies to the band as a body. The allegro, or second movement, is metretoned at 7.116. It was taken too slow, or near 7.80. It was not a success on this account. There were no exceptional difficulties, either in time or execution to contend with, and not much solo work. The piece, however, was well and faithfully performed, although the standard is lowered, (Time, 95 points; tune, 88; expression, 77, soloists, 80.) The sight reading test was played as if it had been previously prepared, and was a most creditable performance. The double-tongueing was heard to great advantage. But for a mistake by the second trombone and euphonium as to change of key, the rendering would have beeu almost faultless. The various marks were well attended to, and tbe band showed that sight-reading was an accomplish ment they had every reasou to be proud of. (Point?, 100.) Uuder the head of general efficiency must be charged a mistake by one of the bonis in the second item on the programme, of which " Judas Maccabsens " was the «aving clause. (Points 90.)