CITY ORGAN RECITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 183, 4 August 1919, Page 9

CITY ORGAN RECITAL.

The usual weekly municipal organ recital \vas given on Saturday night, and attracted a moderate attendance. The weight and dignity of the diapasons and the brightness of the reeds were displayed during the presentment of Smart's popular Festive March, whilst the delicately varied registers were tastefully combined during the artistic performance obtained of Widor's Adagio from Jiis sixth symphony. Mendelssohn's sixth and last sonata —which takes the form of a choral with variations, all in the key of D-minor, supplemented by a short Andante in D-major—received an adequate performance. The simple harmonies of the initial phrase of the choral was given out in one colour well chosen and adhered to throughout. The first variation with theme in treble, accompanied by a counterpoint of the third order in the middle part and a free bass, was delightfully played on a simple contrast of prime colours, whilst the 6econd variation with a counterpoint of the second species in the pedal part, was executed with distinctness; clearly defining the parts on sixteen, eight, and four feet toned registers. The third variation with theme, in middle portion, accompanied by various melodic figures above, and by a staccato bass below, was delicately displayed on a soft reed on swell, and light eight on choir, with pedal sixteen and eight. The "fourth variation with melody of choral in pedal gave the recitalist an opportunity to exhibit the pedal reeds, the great D mixtures, and the full strength of the organ in the closing choral. A legato performance was given of the Fugue, whilst the Andante, which is a quiet and unobtrusive movement in D-major making a nice contrast after so much of the minor mode, received a soothing and gracefully-phrased interpretation. ° Massenet's "Le Cid," Barnett's "Allegretto" U"d "Berceuse," and selections from Carmen" were also included in the programme. Mr. E. N. Wright gave expressively, but not always with accuracy of intonation Sullivan's "How Many Hired Servants," and also sang Verdi's "La Donna" c Mobile," Mr. Whittaker playing the accompaniments.