UEDERTAFEL CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 101, 27 April 1912, Page 10

UEDERTAFEL CONCERT.

The spacious Town HaH -was comfortably filled last night, when the Auckland , Liertertafel gave its firei concert of the 1912 season. Since the last concert in the Choral , Hall the Society has added - 270 extra subscribers, which now makes a total , of 925 on its list, while the performing forces have been considerably augmented. The concert was a most enjoyable one, and the executants were heartily applauded at the end of their efforts. Five new part-songs were rendered, all' of which were- excellent examples of music arranged for male choirs. There were some 70 singers present, and all through they sang in a manner which showed the music had been carefully prepared, and that they were fully equal to its demands. Sullivan's "The Beleaguered" was a fine example of ensemble singing. It was given -with decision, accuracy as to note values, a fine regard for expression, clearness of enunciation, and a stirring climax was achieved at the finish. Adam Geibel's excellent composition. "Over the Fields,' was sung with the necessary atmosphere, the different solo parts were admirably realised, while the syncopated measures received just attention, and the harmonious agreement of the parts formed a 'well-balanced whole. So much liked was this music and the interpretation thereof that the executants were heartily encored. Sir Henry Bishop's "Now Tramp O'er Moss and Fell" revealed good legato and staccato singing, excellent intonation, firm attack, and careful regard to imanc?. The solo portion was capably rendered by Madame Chambers. Franz Abt's "Merry May" was gitten with a fine feeling for rhythm, and the shadings were delightfully lealisedi, while the solo was I successfully sung by ilr. W. Walter. Very J carefully delivered was Thompson's "Wake Not, But Hear Mc, Love"; the voices moved with delightful evenness, the part-singing was extremely pleasing, and the tonal colouring all that could be wished. The solo part was effectively rendnred by Mr. E. H- Eellow. Beethoven's "Holy Night, Within This Breast," was given impressively and in a nicely sustained manner. In response to a demand the last verse was repealed. A spirited and martial interpretation was obtained of Dudley Back's fine musical setting of "Hark! The Trumpet Calleth." It went with fine movement, the leads were decisively given, while the second basses shone to advantage in their melody portion, and the choir in the disturbed accents was particularly happy. A firm and resolute delivery of Werner's "Song of Harold Harfager". brought to a fitting conclusion the praiseworthy efforts of the choir. Dr. W. E. Thomas gave a successful performance on the organ of Spencers "Grand Choeur," for which be received a recall, and ably conducted the concerted numbers. Madame Chambers gave Offenbach's "The Doll Song" and Liddle's "The Way Home" so pleasingly that she received a warm encore after each. Madame Dora Hunt was heard to fine advantage in Saint-Saens' '-Softly Awakes My Heart" and Elgar's "In Haven" and "Sabbath Morning," securing warm recalls in each instance. Vieuxtemps , "Air Varie." as played by Miss Xna Boswortb," so delighted the audience that an extra piece was requested and given. The pianoforte accompaniments were sympathetically played by Miss Holland ancs Mr. L. G. Whittaker.