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produced at Dresden in the same year. It is at present the composer's most popular work. Wagner's orchestration, a good example of which is afforded us in this overture, is simply marvellous, and his "effects" most enchanting and ravishing. It is needless to say that the band interpreted the work in a manner worthy of the brilliant artistes of which it is composed. After a very short interval the second part of the concert was proceeded with. The first item, Schubert's unfinished symphony (played most elegantly by the orchestra), awakens many regrets for its incompleteness, abounding as it does with characteristic beauties. The great difficulty of getting his symphonies performed and published alone prevented Schubert from writing more than he has given us. Mr. Barton McGuckin now gave us the pleasure of hearing Sullivan's "Once again." A success was made by Mr. John Thomas in his harp solo, but it is to be regretted that the "promenaders" were so restless at this stage of the concert, Miss Marriott is to be congratulated on her very brilliant rendering of "Ernani involami," from Verdi's "Ernani." It was received with deafening shouts of applause. We were favoured by having the last verse repeated. Mendelssohn's overture to "Ruy Blas brought a most charming concert to a very satisfactory conclusion. It was played superbly. Amongst the audience we noticed the venerable head of the Royal Academy, Sir Geo. Macfarren.

From the "SOUTH WALES Daily News.”

The orchestral performance, announced to commence at two o'clock, was somewhat delayed in consequence of the unexpected but pleasantly varied interpolations which served to lengthen unduly the morning programme-the charming rendering of Madame Edith Wynne's second song, which obtained for that lady a "thank you" from Lord Bute as she retired; the performance on the harp of a little fellow of twelve years, who had been previously decorated with the crimson ribbon of the first prize, and on whom the audience bestowed a most hearty and parental welcome, from the president downwards. These and other incidents, such as the resolute demand for a duet from two lady winners, in adjudications for the best solos, showed that the audience had reached the stage above and beyond the passionless criticism of morning performances, and that they were determined to enhance the victories of merit and genius by their appreciation. The prelude to the performance was also an agreeable surprise. By desire, that veteran musician and friend of musicians from the Principality-Mr. Brinley Richards-gave on the pianoforte "The March of the Men of Harlech." Playing from memory, and introducing a host of variations, the composer pardonably lost for a moment the thread of his musical discourse, and apologised to the audience for his absence of mind only to find that the defect was more than forgiven in the applause which was given him when he quitted his place in front of the "grand." Then followed the overture for the orchestra and organ, written by Sullivan, and played in memory of the late Owain Alaw and Myfyr, Mr. E. H. Turpin taking the position of conductor, the place which he has so well filled during the week, the organ was taken by Mr. C. L. Williams. Beginning with a largo movement almost as solemn as the familiar, almost hackneyed, "Dead March in Saul, the time of the piece

was gradually accelerated in the second section of the composition, until a splendid burst of harmony concluded the overture. Miss A. Marriott then sang the soprano solo, "Let the Bright Seraphim," with orchestral accompaniment, in a finished style, and to this succeeded Mendelssohn's symphony known as No. 3 Scotch, in which it is almost needless to say, after what has been written in praise of the picked band of metropolitan instrumentalists, that full justice was done to the composition. Mr. Ap Herbert sang "The Mermaid," a nautical ditty, full of pathos like all sea songs are, and then the performance reached its culminating point in the appearance of Madame Edith Wynne, who gave a splendid rendering of the solo "From mighty kings" (Judas Maccabæus). One or two liberties were taken with the programme in the direction of making it even more worthy of acceptance; and after another specimen of instrumentation from the orchestra, Mr. M'Guckin gave "The Message," and the overture to Mozart's "Zauberflöte" concluded the performance.

THE EVENING CONCERT.-Under ordinary circumstances the unfavourable weather of Wednesday would have proved fatal to any entertainment in the evening, especially a concert. The general topic of conversation on Wednesday was the concert of Tuesday evening, and the determination of thousands to, if possible, listen to such music as was said to have been given on Tuesday evening, and this consideration overcame every difficulty, for, in spite of the rain, with streets and roads covered with mud, thousands on Wednesday evening again wended their way to the Eisteddfod building. The principal seats were again well filled, the second seats were so also, and a large number of persons occupied the promenade. Many members of the musical committee were also present on the platform, as were also a number of ladies. The chairman of the musical committee, Mr. S. Aitken, announced that as there would be changes from the printed programme, he proposed to aunounce the name of each item as it came on in its turn. The announcements were received with loud applause, as it was an explanation that was much required, the changes in the programme on Tuesday evening causing for a time a little confusion. The first orchestral performance was Weber's overture, "Oberon." This masterly piece was gone through with all the spirit that seemed to animate the orchestra on Tuesday. Mr. Turpin was again at home, and every member seemed spell-bound to the motion of his baton. The precision with. which every movement was executed was marvellous. Mr. B. McGuckin sang again the song that was so well received on Tuesday evening, "You'll remember me," and was as loudly applauded as on the preceding evening. Mr. Aitken said that one of the objects of the Eisteddfod was the promotion and encouragement of native talent, and for that purpose he proposed to introduce to them the prize-winner in the competition for the contralto solo prize that morning, who had given unbounded satisfaction to the adjudicators. Miss Jones, of Swansea, would sing the prize song of the morning, "O, Lord, Thou hast searched me out and known me." Miss Jones has a good voice, and with a little cultivation will make an excellent singer. She met with a highly flattering reception. The chairman then announced that the next piece on the programme-a concerto for piano and orchestra-could not be given, as the lady who was to have played the piano portions was unfortunately seriously unwell. There was, however, no storm cloud without its silver lining, and a veteran musician in the band, Mr. Lazarus, had consented to play a clarionet solo in place of the concerto. Mr. Lazarus's solo was, as might have been expected, a masterly performance. This was followed by several vocal compositions. Madame Edith Wynne sang Weber's

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An encore

Softly sighs " in a manner that charmed the entire audience. was demanded. Twice Madame Wynne came and acknowledged the compliment, and the audience very reluctantly consented to forego the encore. Miss Annie Williams then sang "Sunshine and rain," and Mr. Lucas Williams followed with "Rage on, thou angry storm." This was encored, and to this Mr. Williams complied. Here again the orchestral accompaniments added considerably to the attraction of the vocalists. Exquisite and touching as Madame Wynne's rendering of Weber's scena was, its effect was undoubtedly increased by the warmth of the orchestral accompaniments when compared with the cold lifeless tones of the pianoforte; and this was seen in the contrast of Miss Williams's song when the accompaniment was the latter instrument. Wagner's celebrated overture, "Tannhauser" brought the first part of the programme to a close amid loud applause. The second part of the concert commenced with Schubert's unfinished symphony in B minor. Mr. B. McGuckin sang "Once again." Mr. John Thomas played a harp solo, Miss A. Marriott sang a brilliant air from Verdi's opera Ernani," and the concert was closed with Mendelssohn's overture to "Ruy Blas." The second part was quite equal to the first, and every portion of the programme was loudly applauded. The attendance in the evening was about equal to that of Tuesday evening, and the educational training which such concerts give to the thousands that attend them is worth the cost, whatever it may be.

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THE CLOSING CONCERT.

The arrangements made by the committee for the concert on Thursday evening were such as to lead to the conviction that it would be the best given during the week. The choral competition for the great prize had drawn large numbers of visitors from all parts of the country. It was estimated that about 12,000 persons were present at the morning meeting, and by six o'clock an immense crowd assembled outside, anxious to obtain admission to the evening concert, and when the doors were opened a rush was made for the best places. One of the chief features of the concert was a grand choral performance, in which all the choirs who competed for the prize should sing together the pieces which they had sung in the competition. These were to have been accomplished with a full band and organ, and the effect would have been far superior to anything yet heard in Cardiff. To accommodate the 1,200 people who formed the choirs, it was proposed by the committee to utilise for them all the front seats in the first and second-class, allowing the ladies, who would under other circumstances have occupied the front seats, seats in the orchestra. Two of the choirs were admitted to the building, but only after the public had been admitted. In the rush, hundreds of persons who had only paid to be admitted to the promenade rushed to the front seats, filled them, and prevented those who had purchased first-class tickets from finding a seat. The orchestra was soon filled, ladies occupied the seats assigned for the choristers, and some of the audience monopolised the chairs. required by the band. An attempt was made to get the chairs in front, but this failed, and the choral portions of the programme were abandoned. In the meantime the building continued to fill rapidly,

and some confusion took place in consequence of the pressure from the audience occupying the promenade. After some delay the orchestra played the overture to "William Tell," but there was a great desire to hear the choirs, and the confusion prevented much of this splendid composition being heard at any distance. Madame Edith Wynne sang Weber's "Softly Sighs," with orchestral accompaniment. This was followed by Mendelssohn's violin concerto, the violin part being well played by Herr Politzer. Mrs. Penn kindly sang "Ash Grove," and was followed by Mr. Lucas Williams singing "God bless the Prince of Wales." Miss Annie Williams sang "Hen wlad by Nhadau," the audience joining in the chorus with great spirit. Mr. John Thomas gave a harp solo, and then the orchestra played the "Hallelujah Chorus," the audience again joining, and rendering this chorus very effectively. The concert was brought to a close at an earlier hour than usual owing to the confusion that had prevailed, the band playing the "National Anthem." It is to be regretted that owing to the want of a little forbearance on the part of the audience, and also want of good faith in appropriating to themselves seats for which they had not paid, that the concert was marred, and gave a rather unpleasant termination to a very successful gathering. Owing to the confusion, those who occupied the promenade could not hear, and left the building, while those who had paid for first and second seats returned to the place where the tickets were examined, and demanded their money back. On the platform were Lord Bute, Sir E. J. Reed, K.C.B., M.P., and a party of gentlemen from Cardiff Castle, but many of the influential residents of the town could not obtain admission, and after staying a short time left. On the whole, the result of the concert on Thursday evening was neither satisfactory to the committtee or to the public.-South Wales Daily News.

[It is only common justice to the gentlemen who were specially responsible for the internal arrangement of the Pavilion to state that every provision was made consistently with the character of the building, and every effort exerted to assure the comfort and convenience of visitors which ordinary experience and the means at their disposal would allow. There were trustworthy men placed in all parts of the building, who were assisted by Mr. Head Constable Hemmingway and 24 constables. It is easy to be wise after the event. A concert, attended by 20,000 people, is a rare thing anywhere, but absolutely new in Wales. When it is considered that a choir of 1,200 voices was to sing, and one of the finest orchestral bands that has been heard out of London was to perform, the wonder is that the crowd behaved so well. The anxiety to secure seats was so great that large numbers had gathered before the entrance several hours before the time announced for commencing. When the doors were opened at six o'clock (the concert was to begin at 7.30), the stream of people poured in like a flood, which increased in volume and

strength every second. For a time it was controlled, but as it rolled in with increasing force it proved too powerful for the officials and police-it overwhelmed the barriers, and every seat was occupied before seven o'clock. Even the orchestra was taken possession of. The utmost good humour prevailed, but the grand performance, to which everybody looked forward, was marred by the eagerness to obtain places. It is a fortunate and remarkable circumstance that no injury to life or limb took place.-ED.]

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