The beginnings and development of a New Zealand music: The life ...

67
the dress-rehearsal on the Sunday he had his
musicians rehearsed and playing lovely and
appropriate music."13
Christchurch reviewer Claude Davies described the music as:
" ••• written for three violins (a most happy
combination) coupled with the occasional sounding
of a beautiful tubular bell. The opening Prelude,
with its interweaving patterns, the little march
in the court scenes, and the more restless spirit
of the music in the second act (at times atonal)
held the attention instantly for its diverse
character and good taste. Some people, of course
would talk during the music regardless of the
'Hushes' of the other members of the audience who
were anxious to listen to Mr Lilburn's music."14
The second production, Othello, was produced in July 1944 at the Little
Theatre.
The programme contained the following note about the music:
"Music - silence is requested for the incidental
music, which has been specially composed for this
Production.by DOUGLAS LILBURN."15
Othello was revived in December 1944, and was taken on the above-mentioned
New Zealand tour with Hamlet in January 1945.
The third play was A Midsummer Night's Dream, produced at the
Radiant Hal~ 26-31 July 1945.
. 16
cornet and two tenor horns.
Lilburn's music was scored for flute,
The fourth play was King Henry V, produced ~n December of 1945.
For this, Lilburn composed trumpet flourishes. 17
The fifth an'd final play was Macbeth, first produced at the Radiant
Hall, 20~7 July 1945. It was taken on a New Zealand tour in January 1947.
18
The music was scored for cello, timpani, recorder and two trumpets.
13 New Zealand Free Lance no.24, 1943. Unsourced clipping, photocopy
with author.
14- Claude Davies, CUC Hamlet outstanding performance •. The Star-Sun •.
Unsourced clipping, photocopy with author.
15 Programme to Othello. Copy with University of Canterbury Drama Society
Archives.
16 The performers were A. Hutton (flute), D.S. Christensen (cornet), B.J.
and M.G. Sutton (tenor horns). (Programme to A Midsummer Nisht's
Dream, copy with University of Canterbury Drama Society Archives.)
17 The performers were Dave Christensen and Norman Goffin. (Programme to
King Henry V, copy with University of Canterbury Drama Society
Archives.) Title of playas given in programme.
18 The performers were Valmai Moffett (cello), Clarence Crawfordcourtesy
NBS (timpani), Peggy Haddon-Jones (recorder), and Dave
Christensen and Norman Goffin (trumpets). (Programme to Macbeth,
copy with University of Canterbury Drama Society Archives",)