THE MOTET AND GLEE SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5798, 18 September 1880, Page 3

THE MOTET AND GLEE SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

The fourth of the series of concerts givon by the Private Motet and Glee Society drew a large audience to the Temperance Hall last evening. The programme waa excellently selected and arranged, embracing standard works, such as Mendelssohn's setting of the 43rd Psalm, as well as works that are familiar in every musical household, and at least one genuine novelty, Eaton Faning's " Song of the Vikings."

The chorus numbered 20 voices—viz., six soprano, five alto, five tenor, and four bass. The tone was good, and fairly well balanced, although the tenors were somewhat overweighted, and tbe basses altogether too demonstrative. The ladies are entitled to all praise; the soprano attacked the high notes with a precision and purity of intonation rarely heard from amateur performers; while the alto gang admirably throughout, The effect of the part songs waft greatly marred by the wretched acoustics of the hall. The chorus were placed in a hole-in-the-wall, from which it was impossible to sing with comfort, or to bring out the varied effects of the music; the Society, however, may bs congratulated on having achieved an unqualified success. Mendelssohn's psalm, and the part songs by Pearsall, Burn by, and Eaton Farting were admirably rendered. Lee. I lie's "Pilgrims" waa perhaps the least satis- \ factory performance during the evening; the phrasing adopted was peculiar, and the undue i ; accenting of certain notes produced a Grotesque effect never intended by the composer. Macfarren's spirited part song " You stole my love" was taken rather fast; but it pleased the audience, and received an enthusiastic encore, and had to be repeated. Mr Kelsey has evidently bestowed great care on the rehearsals, and the results obtained last evening must be eminently gratifying. We shall hope yet for still more perfect performances under hia direction. The programme was pleasantly varied with vocal and instrumental solos. A lady who possesses a rich contralto -voice sang Macfarren's "A Widow Bird" in a style that should have received more recognition from the audience. A more perfect rendering of an exquisite song it would be difficult to imagine. Mr Lowe sarg Sullivan's 'Distant Shore," and received a well-deserved encore. Dunedin possesses at least two soloists who will comparo not unfavourably with professionals of the highest standing-. Mr Waud contributed a solo for violoncello, and Mr Mears a selo for clarionet, the latter being encored. Herr Scherek played in charming style Chopin'B impromptu in C sharp minor, and a caprice by Ketten (the latter au eccentric and very commonplace production); and, in conjunction with Miss Teweley, duos by Hoffmann and Raff. Herr Scherek is a thorough artist, and his playing is a genuine musical treat. Wo hope the Motet and Glee Society will give us many more opportunities of hearing such excellent performances. The Society have abundant resources, the tone of the voices is excellent, the members display plenty of intelligence!, the conductor knowshis work and enters thoroughly into the spirit of the music ; there i*, therefore, no reason why the highest possible standard of excellence should not be attained. The public, we feel satisfied, will give a generous support so long as the Society give such enjoyable concerts as that of last evening.