"JOAN OF ARC."

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 144, 19 June 1891, Page 3

"JO AN OF ARC."

The members of fcho West End Musical Union performed an historial cantata entitled "Joan of Arc, oi , fcho Maid of Orleans," last evening, at St. James's liall, Wellington - street. The chorus and orchestra consisted of close on seventy performers, Mr J. H. Phillpot officiating as conductor, Mr W. J. Roes fis pianist, and Mr W. Davics as leader of tho orchestra. Tho music of the cantata is the composition of Alfred 11. Gaul, and the verse by Frederick Enoch. Tho story of the Maid of Orleans is too well known to require v synopsis of tho argument. Tho characters iarroduced in the cantata are :—Joan of Arc (soprano), which was taken by Mrs Peck ; Philip, a youth of Domvemy, taken by Mr W. Martin ; Robert da Baudricourt, provost of Vancoloura; and Jean doNovolonpont, a gentleman of Mefcz. These last two characters were allotted to Mr Maifcland. Some of the items in the cantata aro really good, the choruses being in a fiiio bold style, the music at the sarno time not boinjc too difficult. The members of the Union did good work in the choruses, which were very effectively rendered. Still at times there was an uncertainty of tone in thd piano passages which betokened a slight wavering anion jrst some of the vocaiist3, bub when a really spirited march like the chorus of the French men-at-arms, "On to the Battle, on," was reached, the members went through ib at a brisk rate that betokened a liking for that particular item. The instrumental introduction was not a success, in consequence of some of tho instruments not bavins; been properly tuned. This defect was, however, remedied later on. Tho opening chorus of youths and maidens, "Hail to the Beautiful Morning in May," is a pretty item and «vvas well rendered, The choras of peasants, " A Shepherd Maid Has Passed This Way,' waa sung ia such fines style thab the audience demanded

an encore. A duet, "Full Flows tha River," between Philipand Jean was likewise encored. I One of the features of the cantata is tho recitative, "They Sleep — iiy Thoughts Are of Home," and the song, "A Ring, n Simple Ring, , ' which were sung by Joan of Arc (Mra Peck) in a manner that; elicited an encore. The " Aye Maria ;, sung by tho choir vrhen Jean goes i:o tha Cathedral was also a fine number that was woll appreciated by the audience. Naturally the cloae of tho cantata is sad, in consequence of the lamentable end o£ the youag heroine. As to.tbo merit-; of the performance— generally epeaking, it reflects credit on the Union, a? {bo chief weakness was in tha soloist. Mr Martin's voice was frequently lost amidst the crash of instrumentation beiiind, whilst Airs Peck's voice waa nob of Guflicenfc range to suit soma of tho items. Mr Maitland possessed tho power to make himself heard, but unfortunately, the three voices did not harmonise. Tho choruses were, however, very enjoyable,although tha tenors, considering their numbers, should have made a greater body of sound. Tho other parts wero fairly balanced. Mr , Pifiilpot is to be complimented upon the manner in which the chorua had been trained.