From Birmingham
Relayed from the Pump Room Gardens,
Leamington
THE BAND OF H.M. ROYAL ARTILLERY (Mounted)
Conducted by T. J. HILLIER
UPON Pick-Mangiagalli the influences of three nations have been exercised. He was born in 1882 in Bohemia (now Czecho-Slovakia), has studied in Italy, and lived at Vienna, though he is a naturalised Italian. The work of his that we know best here is his orchestral Tone Poem Witchcraft (Sortilegi). Besides this, he has written, in about a quarter of a century of composition, anOpera. a Lyric Comedy, a ' Monimimic Legend, a ' Musical Fable,' a ' Mimo-symphomc Comedy, a Violin Sonata, a String Quartet, and some pianoforte pieces, one of which we are to hear.
In a Toccata we expect something brilliant, as the name, derived from the verb ' to touch, suggests-a piece to show us the performer s command over the keyboard.
AMONG those few of the leading composers of the day who have turned their attention to the Military Band is Hoist, who has written two delightful, tuneful Suites for this medium.
The one now to bo heard is made up of four separate pieces. Most of the tunes in them are old English.
The- First piece is a lively, swinging March.
Two old tunes appear in this-those of Swansea Town and Claudy Banks.
The Second is a pensive Song without Words.
The tune is I'll love my love.
The Third is the bluff Song of the Blacksmith.
The anvil is very aggressive.
The Fourth is an exhilarating Fantasia on The Dargason, and introduces the fine old tune, Grecnsleeves.