THE
PETERITE. VoL. IX .
MAY,
1 888 .
No . 74.
CONCERT. E have always been taught to believe that music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, and we have implicitly believed that statement ; but on April 6th it was amply demonstrated that it also possesses magic of another and more practical nature . On that evening a concert was given in the Festival Concert Room in aid of the School Games Fund, which has been for some time either non-existent or tottering on the verge of insolvency . For the very material assistance rendered, and for the esthetic treat provided—verily a feast of reason and a flow of soul—the School owes its very best thanks to Dr . Naylor and Herr Padel, who originated the idea and worked it up to a brilliantly successful termination, and also to Mrs . Handford, Mrs . Padel, Mrs . Naylor, and the other kind ladies who worked so indefatigably at selling tickets, that that success was always assured. The concert was attended literally "by a large and fashionable audience", the whole floor being covered, while the sides were filled with the exception of the immediate vicinity of the doors, where Boreas proved much too rude for the most enthusiastic devotees of music. The stage was beautifully decorated with most exquisite palms and flowers, kindly lent by Dr . Hingston, to whom we tender our best thanks, while we "kneel down, kneel down and wonder" at the possession of such a collection in this by no means balmy spring. No wonder the nine performers played like Muses in such a bower. The " Manfred " overture, despite a slight lack of unity, went briskly, and formed a lively beginning for the evening . Sterndale Bennett's trio for violin, ' cello, and piano, was artistically played, the lovely pizzicato opening being most skilfully done . The finale is most melodious, and in spite of a slip in the time at the end, went very well . Miss Brooks was best in " Lascia chio pianga ." !She rendered all her pieces : in most sympathetic style, and is the possessor of a very rich and sweet
kV