(From Birmingham)
THE BIRMINGHAM STUDIO ORCHESTRA
Conducted by FRANK CANTELL GOUNOD very seldom essayed anything like humorous music, though here he is eminently successful with a piece of mock solemnity. The little piece needs no other description nor analysis than the title which it illustrates so aptly. We are to suppose that one of the little dolls of the puppet show has died, and that the others are following it solemnly to its burial. THERE are four movements in this bright and vigorous Suite by a composer who has shown that he is equally at home in the graver aspects of music. First is a stirring March, which he calls' The Zouaves.' Those who know these wonderful troops will best appreciate how well
Foulds has caught their amazing zest and spirit, but even without such associations, the piece has a splendid march tune, admirably set forth:
The second movement, often played apart from the Suite, is.' The Fairy Tarapatapoum,' a. dainty and delicate piece which presents the idea of its subject with real charm.
'■ The third movement, in more serious vein, is L called ' Heroic Hymn of France.' There are two interchanging moods, one solemn, and one heroic, the latter being introduced on its first appearance by a big melody for the trumpet. The violins have it when it appears after the next solemn Interlude, and, at the end where the whole force of the orchestra is employed, listeners will feel that the term ' Heroic ' is indeed a fitting one.
The last movement is as merry as the third was serious. The composer calls it The Joy of Life,' and the vivacity of the hurrying tune which runs almost all the way through could not easily be better described.