That section of the public that boasts a preference for music of a more miscellaneous character has had its taste gratified by visits from Madame Alice Esty (orchestral concert); Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Julian Clifford (orchestral concert); Mr. Herbert Fryer; Mr. Charles Saunders, Mr. Watkin Mills and party; Miss Louise Dale, Lady Maud Warrender, the Earl of Shaftesbury, and Mr. Pedro de Zulueta (orchestral concert); Madame Aino Ackté, and Mlle. Tosca di Benici and Miss Marjorie Hayward. A much-needed want in this musical centre has been supplied by the opening of the Bournemouth School of Music. The institution is under the direction of Mrs. Farnell-Watson and Mr. Hamilton Law, and provides opportunities for expert instruction in all branches of music. Mrs. Farnell-Watson, who is the local representative of the Tobias Matthay Pianoforte School, is one of the leading pianists in the neighbourhood, and Mr. Law (who studied composition and singing under Sir Charles V. Stanford and Signor Garcia respectively, at the Royal College of Music, for a period of close upon six years) is not only an active composer and successful teacher, but also a musical critic and a writer upon subjects connected with the art generally. BRISTOL. in tone and rhythm. The King Street Wesleyan Choir gave another of their excellent concerts of part-songs on January 31, conducted by Mr. H. Woodward, and assisted by the Devonia Quartet. The Plymouth Guildhall Choir gave two very fine performances of The Dream of Gerontius' on February 3. Mr. H. Moreton, borough organist and conductor, achieved a triumph, having trained the choir to a pitch of exceptional accuracy and artistic expression, and having an excellent band led by Mr. Alexander. The principal vocalists were Miss Alice Lakin, Messrs. H. Turnpenney and R. Chignell. At their third (of the series) chamber concert on January 31, the Misses Smith had the assistance of Miss May Mukle (cello) and Miss Dorothy Silk (soprano) and Mrs. H. R. Freeman ('cello). The Phantasie in C minor pianoforte trio by Frank Bridge closed a programme of vocal and 'cello solos given respectively by the two visiting artists. Elgar's Suite for orchestra, 'Dream-children,' was an interesting number in the programme of Mr. R. G. Evans's symphony concert on February 7, the 'Unfinished' Symphony of Schubert being included; and Mr. Newton's symphony orchestra played the 'Ocean' Symphony of Rubinstein at Stonehouse on February 20. DEVONSHIRE TOWNS. Ridgway Wesleyan Choir sang The feast of Belshazzar' on January 24, conducted by Mr. Goad; and on February 7 Ottery St. Mary Choral Society were assisted by Miss Pender-Cudlip and Mr. A. G. Wills in singing The Revenge' and part-songs, conducted by Mr. Stanley Chipperfield. The Holy City' (Gaul) was efficiently performed by the Society at Bovey Tracey on February 15, conducted by Mr. W. Back. The thirty-first annual concert of the Clifton Choral Society was held at Redland Park Hall on January 30, and a large audience was attracted. The works given were J. L. Roeckel's cantata, Mary Stuart,' and H. J. Edwards's motet, Praise to the Holiest,' with a miscellaneous selection. The principal vocalists were Miss Hilda Blake, Miss Gladys M. Dyer, Miss M. C. Dennis, Mr. Lionel Venn, and Mr. Lionel E. Doré. Mr. Harold Bernard held the principal The Haydn String Quartet played the Beethoven C major, violin, Mr. Gilbert Burchill was at the organ, and Miss Op. 57, No. 3, and the Brahms C minor, Op. 51, No. 1, at Hettie Applegate at the pianoforte. Mr. A. Ernest Hill Torquay on January 25, at their seventeenth concert. (organist of St. John's Church) directed the performance with ability. On January 31 the Bristol Symphony Orchestra gave a concert at the Victoria Rooms, and under the direction of Mr. Frank S. Gardner satisfactory interpretations were afforded of several interesting compositions. The principal productions were the first movement of Beethoven's Violin concerto (Mr. Otto Milani, soloist), and the same composer's Symphony No. 7, in A major (Op. 92). Other features were Mendelssohn's 'Ruy Blas' Overture, Danse Macabre (Saint-Saëns), 'Præludium' (Jarnefeldt), and Volkmann's Serenade for strings and violoncello (soloist, Mr. Percy Lewis). The leader of the orchestra was Mr. Maurice Alexander. At intervals songs were given by Miss Winifred Thomas. The Bristol Royal Orpheus Glee Society held their annual Ladies' Night on February 15 at Colston Hall, and there was a large attendance. Under the capable direction of Mr. George Riseley, a well-arranged programme of old and new compositions was performed most effectively. The following pieces had not before been given by the Society:The little Sandman' (arranged by John É. West), Let maids be false, so wine be true' (Sir G. C. Martin), 'The land o' the leal' (arranged by H. Elliot Button), 'Lullaby' (C. Lee Williams), and Alexander' (Dr. A. H. Brewer). The soloist was Mr. Lloyd Chandos, who took part with the choir in 'I know an eye' (F. X. Chwatal), Wake, my fair one' (Gotthard), 'Italian salad' (Genée), and ' Serenade' (F. Abt). These and others which have from time to time been included in the Society's schemes were highly appreciated by the audience. DEVON AND CORNWALL. THE THREE TOWNS. CORNWALL. The young and enterprising Choral Society conducted by Rev. C. C. C. Bosanquet at Linkinhorne must be encouraged by mention-somewhat belated-of their performance on January 4 of the cantata Noel-tide' (Facer) and part-songs. The fine choir of the Bodmin Philharmonic Society gave a highly creditable performance of King Olaf on February 7, conducted by Mr. R. R. Glendinning. On February 8, Charlestown Choir_gave a programme of partsongs, conducted by Mr. C. L. Forrester. Mr. H. M. Lamerton's Choral and Orchestral Societies at Bodmin performed 'King Harold' (Cunningham Wood) February 14, with miscellaneous choruses. date Mrs. Chris Rawling's singing-class gave a programme of part-songs and choruses, with assistance from a choir of male voices, at Saltash. 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' was sung by Callington Choral Society on February 15, under the direction of Mr. H. P. Giles, assisted by a small orchestra. on On the same Eighteen competitors were heard in an instrumental solo contest at St. Austell on February 17, Mr. J. G. Judd being the judge, and Mr. E. Osborne (euphonium) gaining the first prize. Organ recitals were given respectively at Falmouth Wesleyan Church, on February 5, by Mr. J. H. Williams, of Truro; at Falmouth Parish Church, on February 14, by Mr. Ewart West; and at Fowey, on February 15, by Dr. H. Walford Davies. DUBLIN. The Royal Dublin Society chamber music recitals have maintained their interest. On January 29 Miss Annie Lord, a talented local pianist, supplied the programme. On February 5 the Rosé Quartet were to have played here for the first time, but the indisposition of the leader Plymouth Orpheus Male-Voice Choir contributed largely prevented them, to the great disappointment of local musicians. to a concert given on January 24 on behalf of Police charities, On February 12 the Brodsky Quartet, assisted by Dr. singing in a manner creditable to themselves and their Esposito, gave a fine performance of César Franck's Quintet conductor, Mr. David Parkes. Choruses from Handel, in F minor-the first performance in Dublin of this great Haydn, Weber, Weekes, and Mascagni were sung January 31, by a choir of 120 voices, with orchestral support, On February 16 Dr. Esposito gave a pianoforte recital and in the United Methodist Free Church at Plymouth, Mr. R. played his own Three Ballades' (Op. 59)-(a finelyLang conducting. The performance was spirited and excellent conceived trio of pianoforte pieces)—and Chopin, Op. 58. on work. The Sunday Orchestral Concerts, of which three were given after the vacation, were brought to a close for the season on February 4 with Beethoven's eighth Symphony in F. The soloists were Miss Queenie Eaton (vocalist) and Dr. Esposito (pianist). The programmes of the other two included Beethoven's seventh Symphony and Wagner's 'Siegfried Idyll.' The soloists were Mr. Gerald Murphy and Miss Edith Mortier, Mr. Clyde Twelvetrees (violoncello), and Herr Adolf Wilhelmj (violin). On February 5, Mr. Cormac O'Shane, a local bass singer, who has been studying in Italy for some time, made a successful débût in the Theatre Royal. He had the valuable co-operation of Madame Wilna, Madame Kirkby Lunn, Mr. Joseph O'Mara, Mr. Clyde Twelvetrees(violoncello), with Mr. Hamilton Harty at the pianoforte. On February 13, in the Rotunda, the Commercial Rowing Club gave a concert at which Miss Amy Castles and Mr. Wilfrid Douthitt (two of the greatest draws' locally) appeared. At the tenth of the Paterson Orchestral Concerts, which took place on January 22, the event of the evening was the superb performance by M. Zacharewitsch of the solo part in Elgar's Violin concerto. Under M. Mlynarski's skilful direction, the orchestra, by giving an absolutely irreproachable rendering of the beautiful orchestral score, fairly shared the honours with the soloist. The presentation of this notable addition to concerted music created a profound impression, and at its conclusion M. Zacharewitsch had to respond to numerous recalls. The purely orchestral numbers were Schubert's 'Rosamunde Overture, Noskovski's symphonic poem 'Die Steppe,' and Goldmark's Im Fruhling' Overture. outstanding feature was an exceptionally well-balanced performance of César Franck's Pianoforte quintet in F minor, in which Miss Jean Buchanan played the pianoforte part in a most praiseworthy manner. Under the management of the Concert School Committee, a concert for young people was given in the Queen's Hall on February 9. The performers were the Verbrugghen Quartet, Miss Ailie Cullen (pianoforte), and Mr. R. D. M'Haffie (clarinet). Professor Niecks as usual prefaced each number with interesting explanatory remarks, and the concert gave evident enjoyment to the large audience. At a meeting of the Edinburgh centre of the National Song Society, held in the Goold Hall on February 9, Mr. Alan Reid delivered an interesting lecture on 'Allan Ramsay and his songs.' In the course of his lecture, Mr. Reid discussed Ramsay's work as an editor, restorer, and song-writer. Vocal illustrations were contributed by the lecturer, Mrs. Rodger, Miss Reid, and Miss Justice. The accompanist was Mrs. Plenderleith. GLASGOW. The first of Mr. A. M. Henderson's chamber concerts on January 25 took the form of a pianoforte and vocal recital with the concert-giver as solo pianist and Mr. George Henschel as solo vocalist. Mr. Henschel's inimitable singing of no fewer than fourteen songs somewhat dwarfed the instrumental programme, which included compositions by Bach, Brahms, Schumann, Rachmaninoff and Scharwenka. One of Mr. Henderson's most successful performances was that of five of Bach's organ choral preludes transcribed for pianoforte by the performer. At the Choral and Orchestral Union's twelfth concert on January 23, Elgar's Violin concerto was performed for the first time here, Mr. Zacharewitsch giving a highly emotional reading of the solo part. Two other novelties found a place on the programme-a symphonic-poem, The Steppe,' by Siegmund Noskovski, and Goldmark's Overture, In the Spring.' 'In By On January 30, the Choral Union sang the Easter Scene from Cavalleria Rusticana,' Elgar's 'Bavarian Highlands,' and Beethoven's Choral Symphony. In the first of these the performance was somewhat unsatisfactory, the choir failing to keep in tune, but they recovered themselves and gave a spirited reading of the Elgar numbers as well as achieving The solo music some success in the Choral Symphony. was sung by Misses Alice Prowse and Effie Martyn, and The Messrs. Henry Brearley and Wilfrid Douthitt. Scottish Orchestra, under Mr. Emil Mlynarski, played the At the last concert, on February 5, Miss Lucy Gates was instrumental part brilliantly. The last Classical Concert, on the vocalist, and fairly captivated the audience by her brilliant February 6, was one of all-round excellence. The programme singing of the 'Mad Scene' from 'Hamlet' (Ambroise included Glazounow's sixth Symphony, Sullivan's Thomas) and the Mozart-Adam Bravura Variations.' memoriam' Overture, the overture to Die Meistersinger,' The orchestral items included fine performances of and a most attractive novelty in the form of Bantock's Beethoven's Eroica' Symphony, Spohr's Jessonda' Fantastic-poem, 'The Pierrot of the Minute.' The admirable Overture, Granville Bantock's Comedy Overture, 'The Pierrot singing of Miss Lucy Gates charmed the audience. of the Minute,' and the overture to Die Meistersinger.' the kindness of the management of the Choral and In aid of a local charity, Mrs. Alexander Maitland's choir Orchestral Union, the senior classes and junior students and orchestra gave a most enjoyable concert in the Music attending public schools in the north-western district Hall on January 20. The works performed comprised were invited to a concert by the Scottish Orchestra on compositions by Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, and Henschel, February 3. The programme was on popular lines, ranging and throughout the evening the choir sang with a degree of from the overture to Egmont' to a Scottish Reel.' It was culture and refinement which left little room for criticism. curious to observe that the numbers best received were those Mr. George Henschel gave great pleasure to the audience by which made the strongest rhythmic appeal, although his singing of songs by Loewe, Schubert, Schumann, and Handel's well-known Largo in G was encored, possibly because of the fine climax in which the organ supplemented the full orchestra. Altogether the concert was a complete success, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the young people, to most of whom an orchestral performance was experience. The closing concert of the season-the annual plébiscite-took place on February 10, when the programme included those hardy annuals without which no plébiscite concert would be complete. The audience was enormous in dimensions and enthusiastic in character, and at the close of the performance Mr. Mlynarski and the Orchestra received an ovation. others. before a crowded audience. a new In the University Music Class-room on January 31, the third of Professor Niecks's Historical Concerts was given The programme was devoted to performances of Quintets for clarinet and string quartet by Mozart, Weber and Brahms. Mr. R. D. M'Haffie (clarinet) and the Verbrugghen Quartet were the performers. At the fourth concert on February 7, the programme took the form of a recital of organ music by Mr. Edwin H. Lemare, the eminent organist and composer. The programme included compositions by J. S. Bach, Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Guilmant, Widor, and Lemare, and in these The Bach Choir gave a very interesting chamber concert the performer had ample opportunities in which to display on February 8. The choral numbers were that delightful his masterly command of the resources of the instrument. cantata, Phoebus and Pan,' and two national choruses, and The second of the Millar-Craig String Quartet Concerts the instrumental programme comprised pianoforte solos took place in St. Andrew's Hall on February 2. The (excellently played by Mr. Hyllested-Holme), a Suite in C for violoncello solo (Mr. John Linden, soloist), and a had their single opportunity, of which they availed Sonata in D major, for violoncello and pianoforte (Mr. Linden themselves con amore, in Max Bruch's Hebrew melody 'On and Mrs. Mather). On February 13, the choir of St. Mary's Jordan's banks.' Cathedral, under Mr. G. T. Pattman, made a new departure Mr. Coleridge-Taylor's 'A tale of Old Japan,' which by giving a secular concert in the Queen's Rooms. Among was produced by the Philharmonic Society on February 6, the most effective of the concerted pieces on the programme is a beautiful work which fully sustains the composer's were Dr. Walford Davies's clever setting of some nursery reputation. He has attained an even surer touch rhymes, and Sullivan's 'O Gladsome Light.' Members of of constructive thought, emotion and expression, shown the Choir contributed solos and duets, and Mr. J. Connell both in the lighter and graver measures of the graceful shared with Mr. Pattman the duties of accompanist. poem by Alfred Noyes, which deals with the old Two local choirs-the Glasgow Choral Union under story and tragedy of unrequited love. Whether in the Mr. Henri Verbrugghen, and the Orpheus Choir, under Mr. lyrical features, musical narrative, or dramatic possibilities of H. S. Roberton-are to try their strength at the great the poem, the composer has admirably succeeded. His music Festival to be held in Paris at Whitsuntide. Their fortunes is sweet and sustained in its flow, and while he does not seek will be followed with keen interest. after novel forms of expression, the suggestion of newness, especially in the harmonic treatment, is delicately present. Written for four solo voices, chorus and orchestra, the music is remarkable for local colour without obvious recourse to resourceful, and while the leit-motif is not adopted there is the Japanese scale. The orchestral part is inventive and made, firstly in the prelude and lastly in the tragic closing one little roguish, wistful figure of which significant use is bars, where it conveys a sense of sadness and desolation. The vocal solos are not detachable, and the singers together with the choir take their part in the narration. The chorus music evidently attracted the singers, and the The vocal principals choir sang extremely well throughout. were Miss Perceval Allen, Miss Phyllis Lett, Mr. Lloyd Chandos, and Mr. Frederic Austin. GLOUCESTER. The members of the Gloucester Orpheus Society gave their fourteenth annual concert at the Shire Hall, Gloucester, on Thursday evening, February 8, and by general consent the event may be written down a brilliant success. There are not many Societies of the size and comparative youth of the Gloucester Orpheus which could afford sufficient 'expense of spirit' to introduce no less than six new numbers in a single evening, and, further, be able to boast that all six were the productions of local or neighbouring composers. While it is a feature that several novelties are heard at each concert, the compositions of the older masters and favourites heard on previous occasions are not neglected. If the Society did not over-top their previous best form, they certainly equalled anything they have hitherto attained. Their singing was hearty and wideawake, and as crisp in attack and in finish as ever, and their pianissimos exquisite. The new contributions of the Society were as follows:Elgar's 'Feasting, I watch'; Parry's That very wise man, old Esop, said'; 'A Lullaby' and 'Ware Wire,' by Mr. C. Lee Williams, and Dr. A. H. Brewer's 'The Lass of Richmond Hill' and 'Alexander.' The soloists engaged were Miss Edith Evans and Mr. Thorpe Bates. Mr. C. Lee Williams conducted his own compositions, the remainder being in the hands of the painstaking conductor of the Society, Dr. Brewer, to whom much of the success of the concert was due. The smaller Gloucestershire Choral Societies are doing excellent work. On February 15 the Stroud Society, under the enterprising direction of Mr. S. Underwood, gave a most successful performance of Brahms's Requiem.' The band and choir (both augmented from Gloucester) numbered 170 performers. Mr. W. H. Reed led the band, which also played Schubert's Unfinished' Symphony. Miss Alice Baxter and Mr. W. Higley were the soloists. The chief piece in the programme of the Longhope Choral Society, at their concert on February 16, was Stanford's Revenge,' which was sung with fine spirit. The conductor and trainer of this flourishing Society is Mr. A. P. Porter, deputy-organist of Gloucester Cathedral. The second of the three concerts of the season of the Gloucester Choral Society was given in the Shire Hall, Gloucester, on February 19, before a large audience. The soloists were Miss Amy Simpson, Mr. Downing, and Mr. W. H. Squire (violoncello). The part played by the members of the Society itself was most interesting. The choir sang Parry's Blest pair of Sirens,' the whole set of Brahms's Liebeslieder (eleven in number) for pianoforte duet and voices, and Elgar's Motet for six voices, Go, song of mine.' Dr. A. H. Brewer conducted, and Mr. A. P. Porter and Mr. C. Organ accompanied. LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT. The outstanding feature of the eighth concert of the Philharmonic Society on January 23 was the masterly performance by Mr. Leonard Borwick of the solo part in Brahms's Pianoforte concerto No. 2, in B flat, Op. 83. The performance, conducted by Sir F. Cowen, was one of interest and dignity, as was also the interpretation of Beethoven's fourth Symphony, and another example of immortal musicMendelssohn's overture, A Midsummer Night's Dream.' The vocalist, Mlle. Wilna, sang with success. The choir here of Debussy's Blessed Damozel,' a choral work dating Sir Frederic Cowen also conducted a first performance from 1886, when the composer held the famous Prix de Rome scholarship. It is a sufficient commentary on the rate termed the illimitable cultivability of the ear,' that the work of recent musical development, and upon what Wagner was heard in Liverpool on this occasion with attention and appreciation. Orchestra played a Wagner selection which included the At their concert on January 16, the Akeroyd Symphony four well-known overtures and Lohengrin's Narration,' well sung by Mr. Maurice D'Oisly. In Vieuxtemps's Violin concerto in E, Op. 10, Mr. Rodian Mendelevitch displayed more digital skill than strength of tone. At the sixth concert, on January 30, Mr. Akeroyd conducted a steady performance approval included Bantock's quaint and original Oriental of the C minor Symphony, and novelties heard with dances (1) 'Snake'; (2) 'Veil'; (3) 'Dagger'; and Sibelius's Suite, Karelia.' The vocalist, Miss Edith Evans, was specially successful in singing Weber's trying To the Societa Armonica belongs the credit of introducing to Liverpool an orchestral work by Max Reger, whose Serenade in G, Op. 96, in four movements, was played at their concert on January 27. The work is one of great musical beauty, and came as a surprise to those who had hitherto associated Reger with dryness. This particular work shows inspiration as well as masterly technique. Another novelty of quaint charm was Maurice Ravel's 'Pavane pour une Infante défunte.' Miss Nelly Briercliffe was an acceptable vocalist, and Miss Mary McCullagh exhibited skill and taste in playing Saint-Saëns's Violoncello concerto in A minor. Mr. V. Akeroyd conducted. The Welsh Choral Union were assisted by Madame Clara Butt, Mr. Kennerley Rumford, and Mr. Zacharewitsch (violin) at their concert on February 3. Chorally the programme gained distinction by the fine singing of Bantock's 'On Himalay,' Morley's 'Fire, fire my heart,' Elgar's 'Lullaby' and 'The Dance' ('From the Bavarian Highlands '), and Harry Evans's new arrangements of two Welsh airs for chorus and orchestra, 'David of the White Rock,' and the Welsh National Anthem, 'Land of my fathers,' during which the immense audience stood. On this occasion Mr. Harry Evans also showed resourceful orchestral command in the 'Oberon' Overture and Schubert's 'Unfinished Symphony.' The social evenings of the Rodewald Concert Club continue in favour. The music on January 29 was provided by the Rawdon Briggs String Quartet, an excellent combination of skilled players. On February 12 the 'O. M.' Male-voice Choir sang, conducted by Dr. S. B. Siddall, of St. Helens, and two young leaders among local pianists, ་ Mr. Frederic Brandon and Mr. Douglas Miller, played Max Reger's Variations and Fugue on a theme by Beethoven, Op. 86, Une Nuit sur le Mont Chauve' (Moussorgsky), and Valse, Op. 15 (Arensky), for two pianofortes. The splendid singing of the O.M.' choir of twenty-two tenors and basses evoked general admiration. In their wide selection of pieces in all styles English composers were well represented. Dr. James Lyon's 'Roman war song' was one successful example. Local Societies which cultivate the glee and madrigal are too few in number, and the concert of the Fairfield Glee Society on January 30 deserves mention for a varied programme, which contained Wilbye's 'Sweet honey-sucking bees,' Elgar's Weary wind of the West,' and Brahms's 'Dirge of Darthula.' The conductor was Mr. Arthur Davies. Another local Society, the Walton Philharmonic, eighty voices strong, gave a creditable performance of Elgar's attractive Banner of St. George' on January 18, with Madame Cearns Owen and Mr. G. R. Barnett as principals. The accompaniments were sustained by Mr. Branscombe (pianoforte) and Mr. C. Collins (organ), and Mr. Albert Orton conducted. Mr. Percy Harrison provided a generous array of first-class talent for his third concert on January 31. The artists included Miss Louise Dale, Madame Ada Crossley, Mr. William Green and Mr. Thorpe Bates. Mr. Mark Hambourg was the pianist, and M. de Ribaupierre the violinist. The musical recital given on February 8 by two gifted and highly-trained young artists, Miss Teresa Amalfi (mezzosoprano) and Mr. Douglas Miller (pianist), deserves recording in terms of appreciation and encouragement. Recent lectures on musical subjects have included "Chamber music,' by Mr. Raymond Tobin, on January 30, and The rise of Oratorio,' upon which Mr. Albert Workman lectured to the local section of the I.S.M. on February 10. The Liscard Orchestral Society, a powerful combination conducted by Mr. Philip Smart, gave a successful concert on February 10, at which Mr. Walter Hatton played Böellman's Symphonic variations for 'cello, Op. 23, and Madame Naomi Bell sang. The West Kirby Choral Society gave evidence of Dr. W. B. Brierley's able direction of good material on February 12, performing Elgar's The Black Knight,' Walmisley's madrigal, 'Sweete Floweres,' and Stanford's pastoral, 'Shall we go dance?' Mendelssohn's Violin concerto was cleverly played by Miss Dorothy de Vin, accompanied by the excellent small orchestra led by Mr. A. Ross. The vocalist was Mr. Charles Tree. MANCHESTER. The mere account of musical events in recent weeks is of quite secondary importance alongside the announcement made in the Press on January 29, that the Hallé executive had entered into a three years' agreement with Mr. Michael Balling as conductor of the Hallé concerts, the duties commencing next October. The executive considers it in the best interests of orchestral music here and in other centres of the North that the Richter regime should be perpetuated. A good deal more, however, will have to be taken on trust in Balling's appointment than was the case with Richter. There is just one possible development which would add greater weight in the choice of Balling, and that is in matters operatic. Should some form of co-operation between the Hallé Orchestra and one of the theatres make possible in the near future a permanent Grand Opera season, then not Manchester only but the whole North of England would have occasion to rejoice. On January 25, Manchester was for a brief space the centre of musical interest in Britain. Bantock's "Atalanta in Calydon' evoked considerable interest, and choral-lovers from all parts were present in force. The Hallé Choir is the one choir in Manchester which has had comparatively little experience in alla cappella music-in recent years one only recalls three occasions when it has sung without accompaniment. A work on the scale of Bantock's choral symphony is sufficient to tax to the full the powers of any choir, even after it has studied the work for six months and had no other choral work to distract its attention; but until the New Year this choir has not been able to concentrate on it, and the concluding rehearsals clearly demonstrated that the first performance could not be even approximately note-perfect, not to mention any other refinement of good choral singing. The choir went through the trying ordeal with considerable courage, but the results in the first two movements were nearly chaotic at times. The Scherzo for women's voices, comparatively simple in design as it is, produced better singing, and the applause seemed to nerve everybody for the big final movement (only published at the beginnning of December), and oddly enough this very exacting section was sung with greater freedom than anything else. In this first performance there were only fugitive glimpses of the many wonderful beauties embedded in the Symphony. Moderately sung as it was, the composer's ideas were clearly possible of realisation, and it is not to be doubted that another few years will make 'Atalanta' as possible of attainment as has been, say, 'Gerontius'; to some extent a technique will have to be evolved, but our choirs to-day are much better fitted to tackle the difficulties of Bantock's idiom than they were in 1901 to face Elgar's (then) new type of choral expression. Report has it that the Halle Choir will repeat the work next autumn, after devoting further rehearsals to its more complete preparation. Of the very young conductors who have appeared this winter none has excelled Ossip Gabrilovich, the one time pianist. Only twenty-six years of age, he has studied under Nikisch, and has the makings of a really first-class conductor. Not even his great exemplar surpasses him in rhythmical strength and beauty; on February 1, he conducted Beethoven's 'Coriolan,' the 'Pathetic Symphony,' a Grétry-Mottl balletsuite (Céphale et Procris), and Liszt's 'Les Préludes,' entirely from memory, and in the last obtained a sublimity of effect that even Richter might have envied. The attitude of our Hallé audience towards Liszt's music has been one of the curiosities of the season. Hitherto his works have been received quite tepidly; now, no work of his this season but has had quite an ovation. There can be no doubt than Hans Richter sowed the seed of this revival. On February 8, Sir Frederick Bridge conducted a performance of Elijah' that was very well received; the singing of Mr. Herbert Brown in the part of the Prophet was conspicuously good. The Hallé concert conducted by Sir Henry Wood on February 15, brought us Saint-Saëns's third Symphony (never before heard here), and two novelties of slenderer proportions in Balfour Gardiner's 'Shepherd Fennel's dance,' and Georges Enesco's 'Roumanian Suite.' Some felt these sparkling miniatures hardly consorted with the stately dignity of Halle traditions; criticise as folks may, there is no gainsaying the fact that the Hallé audiences have been more 'live' this season than since the earlier days of Richter's conductorship, and Wood has played no small part in wakening us up. Miss Muriel Foster at the last moment was unable to come, and her place was filled by Miss Doris Woodall, one of the best exponents of the rôle of 'Carmen' ever heard in Lancashire; another and quite unexpected side of her art was revealed in very illuminating performances of German lieder. For some weeks past there have been vague rumours of a fresh series of orchestral concerts; the Manchester Musical Society had been mentioned in such a connection, but on February 19 the important announcement was made that, commencing next season, Mr. Brand Lane had arranged for Sir Henry J. Wood to conduct a series of Saturday and Monday evening concerts on the lines of the Queen's Hall Promenades,' having at his disposal a band of about eighty players. Thus, whilst it may be a matter of some regret that Sir Henry J. Wood is not associated with our premier organization, it is gratifying to know that his stimulating influence will not be lost to South Lancashire. A concert of quite unusual interest was that given on February 7, in aid of the Distressed Foreigners' Fund; the Manchester Orpheus Society, as the recipients of very marked favours on the occasion of their Rhineland visit last Whitsuntide, gave of their best. Brahms's Alt-Rhapsodie' was the most extended work; here again illness played havoc with the solo arrangement, Miss Myra Dixon being unavoidably absent. At twenty-four hours' notice Madame Gertrude Brooks stepped into the breach, and must be congratulated on her preparation of such a work in so short a time. This performance was somewhat in the nature of a trial run' for the London Queen's Hall Orchestra's symphony concert on February 19, and it is gratifying THE MUSICAL TIMES.-MARCH 1, 1912. to find other opinions on the choir's merit in this Mr. Music played an unusually important part on the occasion of the festivities in Manchester in connection with the Kaiser's birthday. Wolf-Ferrari's operetta, 'Susannen's Geheimniss,' was given in German, the title-rôle being taken by Miss Theresa Schlagintweib, and Mr. George Parker playing the suspicious husband, Graf Gil. Two concerts of chamber music, on January 31, were of unusual interest. In the afternoon, at the Gentlemen's Concert, Dr. Theo. Lierhammer sang a severely-chosen set of Schubert and Brahms songs. Perhaps his style gravitates naturally towards the sombre; but although this recital seemed somewhat restricted in its scope, there was much to admire. The evening's Brodsky Quartet concert brought a new Octet for strings in A major, written by Mr. F. Bonavia without the usual Scherzo. As previously remarked here, this composer's art is full of subtle, elusive fancies, possibly lacking that unity in variety which the perfect art-form must have a string-player himself, it was to be expected that the work would prove grateful to the performers. The Burnley Vocal Society varied its usual procedure by allowing the Hamilton Harty Wood-wind Quartet to take the principal burden at their concert on February 6. Quintets by Mozart and Beethoven, and the Brahms Sonata in E flat for clarinet and pianoforte (with Mr. Harty), were the chief instrumental items, although a Reverie for horn by Glazounov proved a perfect gem. Mrs. Swinton was the vocalist, and the choir performed Elgar's 'From the Bavarian Highlands' choral songs. NOTTINGHAM AND DISTRICT. The Long Eaton Orchestral Society gave their second included the Ruy Blas' Overture (Mendelssohn), the first concert of this season on February 6, when the programme movement of Beethoven's fourth Symphony, Elgar's introduction to Act III. of 'Lohengrin' (Wagner) for the 'Bavarian Dances,' 'Minuet d'amour' (Cowen), and the orchestra, which gained great credit for the Beethoven contributed vocal items, and Mr. Jacques Renard 'cello solos. work. Miss Emily Breare and Mr. Morgan Kingston Mr. Mountney and his fellow-workers are to be congratulated on the result of the season's efforts. Granville Bantock's Omar Khayyam' was produced for Harmonic Society's third concert, under the direction of Mr. the first time at Nottingham on February 8, at the Sacred Allen Gill. Much time and labour had been devoted to this production, and the general result reflects great credit on the choral work, and as a first performance entails so much expenditure of time and money it would be a pity if part-writing, where the voices are employed orchestrally, the work were not heard again. demands more attention than one performance allows. The novelty of the The Caravan scenes certainly took a keen hold of the audience. The programme of the second part was filled Mr. Frank Mullings, and Mr. Frederic Austin, who all with familiar items. The artists were Miss Alice Lakin, supported the production by the sincerity of their work. included in its programme vocal items by Miss Louise Dale The Nottingham Subscription Concert on February 20 and Mr. Thorpe Bates, violin solos by Miss Marie Hall, and pianoforte solos by Miss Cantelo. A good audience attended the performance of Gaul's 'Joan of Arc' by the Riddings by Miss Ida Bloor, Mr. W. Hudson, and Mr. Harry Horner. Choral Society on February 14. The solos were undertaken SHEFFIELD AND DISTRICT. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE AND DISTRICT. Beethoven's 'Missa Solennis' has never been heard hitherto in this district, so that much interest; attaches to the announcement that this great work will be given at the second concert of the Choral Union next season. Bantock will reappear at the first, and conduct Part 1 of Granville 'Omar Khayyam,' and the 'Dante and Beatrice' symphonic-justifying their faith by the character of their programmes The promoters of the Sheffield Promenade Concerts are poem. Three 'Celtic Sketches' Philharmonic Orchestra on February 1. They are from the steadily increasing audiences. The orchestra has been were played by the and performances, while the public, in turn, are attending in pen of the conductor, Mr. E. L. Bainton, and are based on increased to sixty-five, and its quality further improved in the idylls of Fiona MacLeod. They are entitled Sea- several departments. A picturesque and often brilliant Sorrow, Sea-Rapture,' and 'Pharais.' The first is the performance of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 was rivalled most original, and is a fine lament of haunting melancholy. in interest by a technically polished and imaginative The second is less convincing, but the third, an impression performance of Schumann's Pianoforte concerto in A minor. of the Celtic Paradise, contains some impressive climaxes. Miss Ivy Parkin, the soloist, played with notable beauty of tone They are among the best works this composer has yet and well marked but flexible rhythm. Mr. H. Mortimer played produced, and point an advance in the emotional nature of the solo in Weber's Concertino in E flat for clarinet and his conceptions. Mozart's 'Jupiter' Symphony was perhaps orchestra, phrasing with nice taste and producing a luscious, played the least sympathetically of all the other items. The well-controlled tone. Peer Gynt' Suite, and three widely-differing overtures and Bach (Wachet auf,' arranged for strings and horns by Cherubini's Anacreon,' Dvorák's 'Carnival,' and Wagner's Professor Bantock) completed the programme. Mr. J. A. Shorter works by Mozart, Wagner 'Meistersinger '-completed a programme which reflected Rodgers was the conductor. credit on the men and on their chief. Miss Dorothy Silk sang artsongs with perfect diction and much charm of style. concerts until mid-spring. The Sharrow Choral Society, The suburban choral Societies usually defer their second however, departed from custom and gave a successful winter concert, performing Beethoven's Mass in C and Stanford's few failings, the chief of the latter being lack of balance. Phaudrig Crohoore' with a score of choral merits and but Mr. O. C. Owrid conducted. There are three chamber concerts to record, one to the account of each of our local Societies. The Sevcik Quartet gave brilliant and incisive readings of an interesting Quartet by Glazounow, Op. 64, No. 4, Smetana's great Aus mein Leben,' and Haydn's Op. 77, No. 1. was marred by a wholly inappropriate selection of songs. A fine concert Mr. Friskin exhibited his splendid pianoforte technique in Franck's beautiful 'Prelude, Aria and Finale' and two modern British works by the performer and Frank Bridge at the Newcastle Musical Society's concert on January 31. He also, with Mr. Alfred Wall, gave flawless performances of pianoforte and violin sonatas by Beethoven and Brahms. Mrs. George Dodds sang with taste. Quartet suffered from a too prominent and forceful first violin The Langley Mukle in their performance of Beethoven's late E flat and Mozart's D major Quartets at the last concert of the Classical Concert Society on February 5. Miss Mukle played finely a Albert Hall and at the Parish Church, where Mr. Hanforth's (Messrs. Edward Isaacs, Arthur Catterall and Carl Fuchs) |