MEETINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 148, 21 June 1912, Page 2

MEETINGS.

AX AFTEUXOOX TPriTH SCHUBERT. "The Life anfi Works of Schubert," with Illustrations of his productions, formed :he topic of the Monthly meeting of the Guild of Helpers at the Yonng Women's Christian Association. Mrs Dettmann presided, in the absence of the president (Mrs A. J. Campbell) and in a few words expressed her pleasure at this opportunity of meeting the •Guild. She hoped the members could arrange to meet at her house some day. 'The Overture to Rosamund" was played as a duet by Misses Smeeton and Land ac the opening of the 'programme. In her account of the life of Schubert Miss Land showed liow his genius had developed early. His father was a musical man. but very soon ■fonnd ftis son beyond him. The small amount of definite instruction Schubert was a.ble to receive from his teachers accounts In some degree for some nf the faults in his work., BeothoveD lived in the same town, aiut exercised conriderfrble influence over his wort. The amount -of compositions be produced was prodigious, 605 songs and inrnimerablp instrumental pieces, fiis early death at the age of 31 came at a time -when iris compositions had begun to reach a quality and meaning far beyond what had appeared in his early achievements. Miss •Smeetoii gave an analysis of Schubert's •work. As was to be. expected among such a large unnber of productions, the quality of some reaches only the mediocre. Music was to Scanbert the natural mode of expression, and on reading a story, or in any experience of Nature, he would express himself at on-ce and quite easily in music. On the -backs of menus, on scraps of paper and unexpected corners he would write down the music that, came so easily to him. Efi was the first celebrated composer ■who considered -the song as a vehicle for "his tipst work. "The Eri King;." "Slumber Son-g," '■'Hark, Hark, the Lark:" are lyrics that will always appeal. That his death ent short bis career so early was a matter of profound regret to his friends, who felt flrat he "was only just beginning to reach that mastery of his art which would place Mm among the ranks of the foremost rani of achievement. Four -waltzes were played' 'by Mise Lusher, "Moments Musicale." nnd an impromptu by Miss Smeeton and Miss Oarr. A trio, "In My Garden," was sung ■by Misses Perry, Parker, and MeMaster, and solos, "Peace" and "The Slumber Song," by Miss Parker snd Miss Shalders respectively. The greatest of all his works, the Symphony in C Major, was the theme of the duet by Misses Lrasner and Smeeton. At the close of the musical programme Miss Parry announced that the July meeting «vrould discuss "A4>ra3iam Lincoln. ,, Hiss Fry invited .members to join the PinjePons circle tr> meet at Mrs Campbell's tome. Enrolments for a Bible circle were also requested, while Miss StfllweTl appealed , for help to various details of the Association.