LIEDERTAFEL CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 96, 22 April 1904, Page 3

LIEDERTAFEL CONCERT.

In spire of the Inclement weather last night there was a !«arge audience at the Liedertafel concert. A good programme was presented, most of the items of which were successfully performed. The society was heard in several part-songs, and with the exception of occasional defective intonation, these were well rendered. Careful regard was paid to phrasing, articulation, and tempo, and. as a rule, the vocalists kept nicely together. Sullivan's '" The Beleaguered" received a declamatory interpretation, and was much enjoyed by the audience. The choir were a little uncertain of their intervals in Mann's " A Song of Autumn." otherwise this was an acceptable performance. The basses were specially effective in Kucken's "My Heart's Loved Queen," and the tenors made the most of their music, while ,the voices blended agreeably and the phrasing was suitable. A dramatic reading was secured of Paliard's "' The Sea Fight." The opening verse received a vigorous delivery, and the basses' accompaniment to the tenors' solo in the " Night Music" was specially pleasing. In the third verse the singers were not always sure ot their intervals, which in a measure marred the performance. Very devotionally tendered was the " Prayer." and a great deal of dramatic energy and fire was infused into the interpretation of "Comrades be Steady," while ilr. C. B. Plummer's cannonading effects on the big drum were realistic in the extreme. Lindbald's " Neeken's Polska"' was the gem of the evening. The pianissimo singing was very effective, and the varying cadences were deiightfuly vocalised. A vigorous delivery of Stern's "Comrades, We March." concluded the society's efforts. Mis_ Maud Howard was deservedly applauded after her singing of Tosti. "My Dream" and Arditi's " Beauty Sleep." Mr. W. Aspinall sang with taste BlunienthaFs " The Message,'" and in reply to an imperative encore he gave Bishop's "My Pretty Jane." Russell's " The Newfoundland Dog." as sung by Mr. T. B. Rowe, so delighted the audience that he had to return and repeat it. Boccherini's famous " Minuet " was daintily played by Herr A. L. Kreutzer Messrs. Sayers. C. B. Plummer and Wallet (2). The same performers also rendered with acceptance Latann's " Gavotte," which was a very good imitation of a banjo orchestra. Sir. -A. Tow_ey ably conducted and Mr. S. J. Harbutt attended successfully to the inanageaient of the concert.