Reviews of the 7th concert, 5th May, 1903.

Yorkshire Herald , 6th May, 1903.

Notwithstanding the unpleasant weather which was experienced last night a large and appreciative audience assembled in the large hall of the York Exhibition on the occasion of the seventh concert by the York Symphony Orchestra. One thousand seats were set aside for the working classes, who could obtain admission to them by the payment of one penny each. There were about 600 of these seats occupied, and it is a gratifying fact that so many of the working people of the city can be found to avail themselves of the opportunity which Mr. T. Tertius Noble afforded them of listening to an adequate rendering of some of the compositions of the most eminent musicians of the classical school. It is evidence that those who form what are popularly known as the masses are not impervious to the softening and elevating influence of thoroughly good music. They can and they do - or a large number of them do - appreciate the beauties to be found in a symphony, say, by Mozart, and Mr. Noble and the ladies and gentlemen who compose his orchestra are doing a good educational work by bringing high-class music within. the reach of their poorer brethren of York. In these efforts they deserve the ungrudging support of their fellow citizens. Mr. Noble has done wonders in a short time to produce such an army of musicians as those who now obey the sway of his baton. The vast majority of them are amateurs, and yet they have worked with such assiduity and love for their art that they are now equal to any task which may be imposed upon them. This was made plain last night in a programme which was most judiciously and carefully selected. It opened with Mackenzie's "Britannia" Overture, which approaches very nearly to the popular. It was given with a great deal of spirit and was greatly enjoyed. It was followed by an "Elegie" for strings (muted) by Tschaikowsky. It was performed with consummate delicacy of expression, every beauty of the charming composition being brought out to perfection. In Mozart's symphony in G minor the same delicacy of treatment was observable in the beautiful andante. The graceful rhythm was particularly noticeable, and the whole work was performed in a highly commendable manner. In the second part the orchestra played "Die Verkaufte Braut," by Smetana, and two inspiring and graceful dances by Moszkowski, and Mr. Noble is to be warmly congratulated on having enlisted such an accomplished army of musicians under his banner. The great attraction of the evening was the 'cello playing of Mr. Herbert Withers, who gave his services. This gentleman is still very young, but he has reached a pinnacle of fame which might well make a veteran envious. He is the solo 'cellist at the Queen's Hall concerts, London, and has already been offered the 'cello lead at the Grand Opera, Vienna, a just tribute to his undoubted genius. His playing is marked by an absolutely correct technique, wonderfully firm bowing and a magnificent tone production. In the first part of the programme last night he played Tschaikowsky's "Variations sur un Theme Rococo," and when partially through the piece he had the misfortune to break one of the strings of his very fine instrument, he was lent another by a member of the orchestra, but he was not at home with this instrument, and it was only after his own had been restored to him that he was enabled to finish his masterly performance to his own satisfaction. In the second part he played "The Lament," by Mr. Noble, and a charming little piece "Elfentanz" by Popper. So delighted were the audience with the latter that they unanimously demanded an encore, which Mr. Withers generously complied with. The accompaniments to three solos by the band was the perfection of subdued playing, and the whole concert can only be spoken of in terms of the highest praise.

Yorkshire Post , 6th May, 1903

Further masterpieces were unfolded to the public last night by the Symphony Orchestra, whose seventh concert may be voted an advance on what has been previously accomplished. Whilst the professional element is but a fraction of the whole, the combination is settling down, and is demonstrating itself in greater cohesion and fluency of tone. These are qualities born of patient industry at rehearsal, and the focusing of all the talents by a zealous conductor. The quality of the boon thus offered to the public is perhaps more than they yet adequately realise, though the attendance last night was better than one expected to see, inasmuch as for some time before the concert commenced rain was failing with torrential vehemence. By far the greater portion of the Exhibition Building is on these occasions free to all purchasers of a penny programme, and no real lovers of music can consider that a highly speculative investment. It was in every respect a delightful programme, opening with Mackenzie's "Britannia" Overture, with its incidental suggestions of the hornpipe and rather fantastic presentment of other nautical themes. Two compositions by Tschaikowsky were much enjoyed. First came an "Elegie" with a short but imposing theme for the strings, and some contrasted passages that set it in bolder relief. The second Tschaikowsky item comprised the exquisite 'cello variations on a "Theme Roroco," in which Mr. Withers acquitted himself with the skill and brilliance one now expects of him. He was unfortunate in the fact that a string snapped before his task was half accomplished. Whilst his 'cello was under repairs, he resorted to on obviously inferior instrument, but soon. abandoned it. The subtle harmonies were finely developed, and the answering phrases supplied by the orchestra produced a fine effect. Mozart's Symphony in G minor made a noble finish to the first part of the programme.

The second half introduced as 'cello solos Mr. T. Tertius Noble's "Lament" and Popper's "Elfentanz." Smetana's Overture to "Die Verkaufte Brant," and two Spanish dances by Moskowski, were also rendered. Mr. Noble again conducted with musicianly discrimination.