The Hong Kong Telegraph, 1896-12-18: Philharmonic Society's Concert

The Hong Kong Telegraph, 1896-12-18

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT

Lovers of music mustered in strong force at St. George's Hall last night when the Hongkong Philharmonic Society gave their first concert of the season. The hall was filled and among thse present were His Excellency the Governor and Captain Sterling, A.D.C. The overture was a tasteful arrangement from Balfe's "Bohemian GIrl," and the orchestra acquitted itself creditably in execution and time. Kücken's "Goodnight, Farewell," had a pleasing rendering by Mr. E.E. Hill, and he was warmly applauded. Mr. G.P. Lammert and chorus sang the well-known drinking song from "Cavalleria Rusticana," and the number was heartily appreciated, the solo and chorus alike being capably rendered. Miss Coxon, who is a warm favourite with Hongkong audience, sang two exquisite little French songs, (a) "Soupir," and (b) "La Charmante Marguerite." In both mumbers the fair vocalist was heard to splendid advantage and the rounds of applause and the hearty recalls she received testified to the appreciation of the audience. Miss Coxon kindly compelled with one recall and her hearers parted with her very reluctantly. A minuetto and trio and Allegro Vivace from Haydn's "Symphony in C Minor" (Octett arrangement), was given with good taste by the orchestra, Mr. A.G. Ward being a most efficient conductor. The second part opened with a "Choral Fantasia on National Melodies," arranged by G.F. Vincent. The songs introduced were: -- "Let charming beauty's health go round," "Believe me if all those endearing young chars," "It was a lover and his lass," "The banks ofAllan Water," "My love, she's but a lassie yet," "Charlie is my darling," "The girl I left behind me," "Here's to the maiden of bashful fifteen," "Come, lasses and lads," ad "Fugato, leading up to 'The Walls' " (J. Saville, 1673) This proved a very popular number and the catchy music of the old songs was most enjoyable. The vocalists acquitted themselves throughout in an entirely satisfactory manner. For her artistic rendering of the song "My Dearest Heart" (Sullivan) Mrs. Vallings won well--merited praise, and the recall she received unmistakably indicated the pleasure tho talented vocalist had afforded her audience. Mr. W.G. Bently, A.R.C.M., the popular bandmaster of the West Yorks, played a clarinet solo, "Concertino in C Minor, Op.26" (Weber), and his skill as an instrumentalist was abundantly evident. Seldom has this difficult instrument been heard to such great advantage and it is safe to say that many had no idea of his wonderful capabilities in the hands of a master like Mr. Bentley. The recall was inevitable, when another fine selection was given. The Hungarian folk song, "Roses in the Garden," and "Look in my Eye, come near" (arranged by Korbay) afforded MR. E.E. Hill further scope for the display of his talent as a vocalist and for each number he had well-earned meed of praise. The concluding number was a charming "Dance Suite" from the incidental music in "Henry VIII." and comprised theMorris Dance, The Shepherds' Dance, and the Torch Dance. The quaint and pretty music, which was much admired, had skillful interpretation by the orchestra and spoke volumes for the pains taken in rehearsing. Mr. A.G. Ward, woh acted in able manner as conductor, also shared with Mrs. C.B. Gordon the work of accompanist and both performers in this important function contributed to the success of the entertainment. A number of members of the West Yorks Band lent valuable aid in the orchestra with wind and percussion instruments and Misses Humphreys, L. Crawford, and Mest acquitted themselves very creditably as second violinists.  The Hongkong Philharmonic Society is certainly to be congratulated on the successful manner in which it has spread the season, but we prefer to await the second concert before publishing a lengthy critique.