ORGAN RECITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 131, 11 June 1885, Page 2

ORGAN RECITAL.

Mn J. B. Akkes (organist of All Saints' Church, Nelson) gave last night, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, an organ recital for tbe benefit of the organ fund, Despite the unsettled state of the weather, tho attendance was good, and the receipts will probably amount to £30. Bishop Luck was present, and also the Rev. Fathers Walter McDonald, Downey, O'Gara, Egan, Lcnihan, Tuckwell", O'Reilly, Costollo, and Mahonoy. A pleasantly diversified programme was presented, and in its performance tho capacity of the musician as well as the rare sweetness and power of the instrumont were satisfectorily demonstrated. The recital was opened with a charming allegro by Ruck, played with ease and ability, and then followed an offertoire in G, by JLefebure-Wely, a characteristic specimen of the French ecole d'orgue. A pastorale by Henry Smart, distinguished by that composer's penchant for suave and tranquil melody, was interpreted with a discriminative regard for the lights and shades, the solo portion being particularly good. A " postlude " by Riuck, involving a change of manual, was capitally performed, and an " Aye Maria " by Chorubini was marked by dolicato treatment. Herr Schmitt's spirited " Choral March " rocoived a very effectivo rendering, and tho beautiful overture to Weber's "Der Froischutz," so suggestive of forest glades, tho rustling of leaves, and the rise and fall of a woodland breeze, was expressively played. The recital propor closed with an allogro moderate by Riuck. : In tho course of the evoning Miss S tophenson sang very acceptably "Angels Ever Bright and Fair," from Handel's "Theodora," and Gounod's " Aye Maria." The organ, we understand, was built by Bishop and Sons, of London, and has 1,368 pipes, 30 stops, and three composition pedals, besides two to great organ, and two to swell organ. It is enclosed in a handsomely decorated case, and the bellows are blown by hydraulic power. The total cost is about i'7oo, of which some £350 has been collected. A Belgian organist was engaged by Bishop Luck while on the Continent recently, and he is now on his way out to Auckland.