The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-08-06

EOpS COlCerC laSC IlSQb aI tllc Hamilton Park pavilion marked a definite triumph for Mario D. Cecco, conductor. MT. Di Cecco's "off the record" appeal at the previous con- certs for better attendance to keep going had the desired effect and last night resulted in standing room only" sign which was put up for the first time.
 Last nights Pops" concert was certainly successful, not only in patronage but the entire musical program was surely a Metropolitan treat with the various numbers played in modulating tones that more than pleased everyone in at tendance. MT. Di Cecco was ably assisted by his concert master, Ed ward Field, as well as every instru- nent in the orchestra which showed the many hours of preparing and patience that goes with an orches- tral program.
 The Overture to "The Gipsy Baron" to start the evenings pro- gram was an ideal selection by Jo- ham Strauss. All string and wind instruments worked up to climax with the beautiful waltz strains of Strauss putting everyone in the mood in what to expect the rest of the evening.
 From Student Prince
 Sigmund Romberg's famous Stu- dent Prince selections played last evening by the Civic Orchestra, is always favorite to lovers of fine music.
 The Student Prince melodies will live on, especially, ''The Drinking Song," which had the entire audi ence on the verge of joining in with the orchestra, typical of the chorus scene in the original New York pro- duction.
 ''CzardaS", composed by Monti, is indeed very melodious, starting off slowly, gradually picking up creS- cendo as it went along, the strings a dominating factor in the melody and the entire orchestra rising to greater heights under Mario DiCec- CO.'S leadership, bringing this short but beautiful melody to grand fin iSh.
 AS an encore, that popular song, Dream" of the Hit Parade, had everyone humming, in fact, playing it in fox trot arrangement had many of the younger element wish ing the lights were lower.
 Kreisler Number
 After intermission Caprice Vien- nois" composition by Kreisler gave the orchestra, especially the violins. an opportunity to display the tones of their instruments to good ad- vantage. Edward Field took the solo part in this number and render ed it with sympathetic feeling ''In a Monastery Garden" by Ketelby, starts of the birds wnistling in the forest, a sort of good morning awakening fol- lowed by the chimes in the dis tance, with the church melody ot "Kyrie" ringing in your ears, fol- lowed by full orchestra given that tone of resemblance to large pipe organ.
 Cole Porter's Begin the Beguine' hit the top, played by the orchestra in fox trot tempo, although a repeat will be must on future program judging from the audience response
 Two encores followed with "Sibon- ney", one of the many request num- bers. and that stirring march Ma tional Emblem" by E. E. Bagley.
 Chopin's Polonaise
 After the second intermission the well-known Polonaise in c Flat by Chopin, was used again after so many written requests since the first concert.
 Mrs. Stephen Bergen again demonstrated her ability in playing the solo part of this great classic in a smooth manner.
 Roses of Picardy" a product of World War I will always be high light of any program. Seldom have l heard it over a period of years with such feeling and phrasing of the entire orchestra as was demon strated last night. With a cello in- terlude between verses it was tops"
 Prelude in c Sharp Minor by Rachmaninoff although written or iginally for the piano as the Polo naise by Chopin, has been orches- trated to point might say of par excellence. The strings do beautiful work in this fine classic, with the cellos putting forth fine effort, fin- ally the entire orchestra coming in with tones broadening, especially the horns dominating the entire or chestra finally finishing with sub- dued tones that carry you away with feeling of wanting more.
 As an encore, Mario asked the audience to join with the orchestra in singing some Good Old Irish Songs" "A Little Bit of Heaven,'' When. Irish Eyes Are Smiling" :" My Wild Irish Rose" and Mother Machree," seemed to be the most popular and received plenty of ap- plause at the finish.
 Two encores followed, "Pavanne'' by Morton Gould and Star Dust by Hoagy Carmichael, finishing a program that just couldn't help to satisfy every one of the 1000 or more that attended this marvellous con- cert.
 It is indeed gratifying to Mario