Mexborough and Swinton Times of December 21, 1907
Denaby Orchestral Society
Successful Concert.
An auspicious opening of the orchestral concert season, so far as this locality is concerned, took place on Tuesday evening, when the above Society again showed their never-failing enterprise in providing a programme of high-class music. The Large Hall in Rossington Street, Denaby Main, was well filled with an audience that was nothing if not appreciative, and who thoroughly enjoyed the rich musical treat provided.
The patrons of the Society (and they are legion) can always be assured of a program of sterling merit both from the orchestra, and the artistes who support them so well. Their splendid reputation was still further enhanced on Tuesday, when they probably reached the high-water mark in their performances. The members of the orchestra accomplished their various duties with an ease and skill only associated with well-trained musicians. The balance of tone and expression displayed showed excellent judgment, and no instrument predominated unduly over the other, the result being a unanimity of harmonious sounds, so beautiful as to be almost inconceivable. That heaviness of tone, so often, alas, associated with amateur societies, was almost entirely absent.
And now a word respecting the chief of this fine body of artistes. In Mr. Moses Soar we at once recognise the trained musician, the keen and exacting conductor. That he is an artiste no one will deny. Things to be appreciated in his baton-wielding, were that freedom from stiffness and those frequent and uncertain fluctuations in “tempi”which always charm. He showed a complete mastery over his scores, and consequently wielded power and influence over his forces.
The Society were well supported by a trio of finished artistes in Miss Bessie Unwin (soprano), Sheffield ; Miss Margaret Nixon (contralto), Mexborough; and Mr. Robert Charlesworth (bass-baritone), Sheffield. The programme was smartly opened with Elgar’s popular march, “Pomp and Circumstance,” the intricacies and technical difficulties of which are well-known. The widely known Coronation Ode, “Land of Hope and , Glory,” which runs in the theme, was a brilliantly executed movement. The reed instruments and flutes were noticeable for good work.
Mr. Charlesworth came next with Clay’s song “Sands o’ Dee,” in which he immediately captivated the hearts of his hearers and. established himself as favourite of the evening. Re gave to the song a delicate touch, and was throughout very sympathetic and dramatic. He received tumults of applause and gave as an encore “My Treasure” a charming little composition, which received a no less charming exposition.
Miss Unwin, who was, unfortunately, suffering from a severe cold, next appeared in Batten’s vocal waltz, ” The Nightingale,” an item capable of bringing out the best in an artiste, and her interpretation of it, under the circumstances, was fired. She possesses a soprano voice of pure intonation, and her articulation was distinctively pleasing. For an encore she gave “If no one ever marries me” (Louise Lemon), a favourite theme just now
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