GRAND SACRED CONCERT AT ST LUKE'S, REMUERA.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3197, 20 October 1880, Page 3

GRAND SACRED CONCERT AT ST LUKE'S, REMUERA.

Mn Charles Hesketh took a front seat and wielded, the baton last night at this church of small dimensions, and, in sootb, thero waa a disposition, in spite of the vagaries of Plurius, "to ganjj awa' to the kirk "and listen to the musical m.lnnge 'compounded by that most energetic gentleman who for this occasion only emulated 'the' Shades of a Sir Julius Benedict or Michael Costa. A fashionable gathering, together with visitors from the North Shore, were well kept in countenance with the leading inamorata of Bemuera social circles, when liatening for two hours to a choice selection of that "sine quit non" of all kirks, viz., psalmody, hymns, and spiritual songs. In the anthem, " What are theso that are Arrayed in White Robes/ the parts were evenly balanced, and throughout the amateurs evinced signs of steady work tor several weeks agone.. though towards tho cfoso (Mrs McFadjen was singing very wild ahd out of tempo. Mr Herbert Claude Brook, Associate of Arts, followed in Sims Reeves' favourite Hood Friday solo at the Alexandra Palace, England, entitled, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," Handel. Mrs Pago, succeededin " AngelsEverßright and Fair,' This is without doubt the best of Theodora's moreceanx. The effect, however, was marred by that ever recurring fault of scamping the lower notes of tho gamut to obtain the higher ones, and having so done make uo clear resonance to atone. Witlt this exception the lady seemed quite at home in her latest effort. The solo, piano-' forte, "With Verdure Clad" was a most painstaking movement, the youthful jlhughter of Captain Tilly retiring amid murmurs of great satisfaction. The best notes of-this composition to be made more telling require tho organ to display the allegro con fnoco. In " Charity," No. 3of the Christian Graces, Steven Glover's gem, the words from the prolific pen ot Chas. Jefforys, Mr Morgan emerged from his -retirement to demonstrate that greatest of arts in singing, viz., fixed tonality. Here there was no creation of artifical notes to make effect, though this has been a de-' praYed custom from time immemorial. The gentleman made a hit; the song being simple enough, yet Signor Mario, the peerless jjtcnor, was better liked in the old Engmh ditty, "Sally in our Alley." than- ' when in the most intricate mazes of Donezetti's! best opera, ihe duet, "O Lovely Peace," Mesdames Stonier and Stevens was a taitaccompli, and here again the respirations were taken at the right time, exhibiting ease and grace. " The Lo3t Chord," Sullivan. | This is not a sacred song any more than are the profane melodies of the Passion Play held periodically at Ammergan, nevertheless the song thoroughly suited a wellknown gentleman, who is worthy to follow in tho retinue of Antoinette Sterling, who gave it the name it has. The rendering ot "If -faith all your hearts," by the some artist, was also superior in comparison to the i jecent attempt at St. Matthew's. Anthem, " Holy is the Lord our God." This shewed amarked precision in ensemble, and wis very pretty, whilst that of " 0 praise Go. in hia Holiness" was much liked, the fihoir getting well away together, and continuing to the end. Mrs Stanier's distinct articulation in " He was despised " shewed plenty of condolore oppasionato, and was realty a treat, and the pianoforte solo by Miss McFadjen was moat ably and correctly played, tho performance reflecting great credit upon her tutor, Professor Swallow. In "The Lord will provide," Mrs Binks, the lady was beßieged with tremolo, the result of intense nervousness. Sho, however, is possessed of a singularly attractive voice. In the trio " Lift Thine Eyes " Mrs Stevens was heard to great advantage, aa is usually the case. Mr Ryan has had long and tried practice in the sublime art, hut his delivery of Sunday was too noisy and powerful, as his lower register may bo. We cannot but characterise the business as very mediocre. The Rev. Mr Monro in a few well chosen remarks adroitly set forth the object of the entertainment and the forthcoming aeries to defray the cost of church renovation in the course of the evening, and Mrs Clark and Mrs Monroe both lent efficient aid by assisting in the chair, the former lady again presiding at the piano for the benefit of the various aspirants. The committee may congratulate themselves with results which from first to last stimulated a moßt enjoy. abl« evening.