Denaby Main Orchestral Society – Successful Concert

November 1900

Mexborough and Swinton Times, November 16.

Denaby Main Orchestral Society.

Successful Consulate last Night.

A sense of keen satisfaction must have permeated the thoughts of those who attended the concert, which was given in the New Schools, Denaby Main, last night. The playing of the large orchestra, evidenced an improvement since the last concert, which was given, and the items rendered, were, on the whole, in good time, tune, with an especial regard for pianissimos, allowed fortissimo’s, and a liking for graceful expression.

The conductor, Mr M Soar, wielded the baton with distinction to himself, and every satisfaction to the habitues of the spacious hall.

Some of the Connors must not be forgotten to be accredited to the members of the orchestra, who have so assiduously, so successfully, and so regularly practised (under the direction of Mr Soar) the difficult composition, which were rendered.

Cultivating the ear of the Denaby folk to appreciate classical music is not an easy purpose to fulfil, but there is no half heartiness about the manner. Those who are endeavouring (we hope not in vain), to fulfil this task are setting themselves about their noble work.

It must be inspiring and encouraging to the conductor of this capable orchestra, to see their efforts and work appreciated by, and encouraged in a practical manner by the officials of that vast enterprise to which Denaby Main owes its very existence and prosperity.

The spacious hall itself is a magnificent building, and it’s acoustic properties carry the volume of tone produced by the orchestra with telling effect. Capable of holding a good thousand persons, the attendance must be counted as disappointing when we say there were about 250 present.

Mr Soar and his co-workers have no reason to be disappointed with the result of the effort. When their ability become more widely known and further develop and improve, there will be no doubt a further proportionate increase in the attendances, at least, this is our express wish, as well as what the merits of the orchestra deserve.

The orchestra all told, 35, and the program opened with a correct rendering of BalfeĀ“s “Bohemian Girl.” The favourite melodies of this delightful composition being familiar to the average ear, the item was perhaps more appreciated than any other piece, which was played, and a good round of applause greeted the conclusion of the work.

The “graceful dance” from “Henry VIII” (Sullivan) was a sweet flowing melody, which was given with much expression and precision.

Rossini’s “Semiramide,” and all mature of a difficult and contrapuntal character, and in this, the orchestra excelled. From a distant pianissimo the volume of tone gradually increases to a ponderous double forte, and the brasses coming in with grand effect. The execution throughout was thorough, they were few discords, the flutes, reeds, violins, and all instruments uniting together with one harmonious effect.

“The Silver Trumpets” (Viviani) and “Banditenstreiche” (Suppe) were exacting pieces, which were also tunefully played.

But the titbit, the most melodious and effective on the program, was the Idylle (a) “Dawn”; Intermezzo (b), “Sunset” (Matt)

the sweet expression given to the beautiful melodies of these pieces was rich, and the whole body of players were in concert with one another, and the efforts was distinctly creditable conductor and orchestra alike.

The actions by the band were interspersed with local items. Miss Skerritt Sheffield sang “A The Night” (Thomas) with a sensitiveness for delicacy of expression alternated with amazing vigour, and in response to persistent request for an encore sang “The Old Sun Dial” Miss Skerritt possesses an effective contralto voice, and the mellow richness of her low notes is superb. A further efforts were still more successful in a vocal interpretation of “Love, the Pedler,” (German), was given with an autistic finish which one expects when listening to the leading primadonna’s. Her enunciation was clear and distinct, and the expression imparted into her efforts created a deafening roar of applause at the finish of the song. With almost dramatic effect. She sang, “love was once a little boy.” (Wade) and again had to bow her acknowledgements.

Mr Needham, a bass vocalist, well-known in Sheffield musical circles, made a creditable debut, both his songs being encored.

The next musical event to be given in the Denaby Schools is the rendering of Handel’s Messiah on December 20th. The National Anthem concluded a splendid programme

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