CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 260, 2 November 1928, Page 11

CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

. ALFRED HILL'S "HINEMOA." , The Auckland Choral Society gave its third concern of the season in the Town Hall last evening before a large audience. On thw occasion, the programme was made up oi music relating to Maori subjects. The principal feature was a fine performance of Alfred Hill's dramatic cantata "Hinemoa," a work written by the author for the opening festivities of the Wellington Exhibition in 1896, and which was afterwards performed in the City Hall, Auckland, in March, 1897, the composer conducting, M. Ovide Musin, the famous violinist, led the orchestra, and madame, hie wife, sang the part of Hiuemoa. The characteristic and picturesque music of "Hineinoa," and its adequate performance made an instant appeal, as did also the songs by local singers, and the choruses by the native pupils from the Queen Victoria and St. Stephen's Colleges. Alfred Hill's mueic ie cleverly scored, flows freely, and contains many beautiful passages, and the orchestration is arranged in picturesque harmonies. Specially beautiful is the lake music, and admirably written are the ballade "When My Tender Thrilling Flute," ''The Rippling Wave," "Tired Winds Are Sleeping," "Only the Laughter," and "Who is the Slave." Charmingly set are the duos "Are You the Maiden," and "Over the Wave." Graphically and dramatically treated is the thrilling "Ra-Jia!" chorus, and effectively arranged are the concerted numbers "Comee a Merry Chorus," "Dearest of Daughters," "Pinions Ethereal," and "Leaving Her Tribe." The intricate music of Hinemoa was entrusted to Mi*? Alma McGruer, and though much of the music ie written for the higher voice, she acquitted herself exceedingly well with the extended intervals. She overcame the perplexities of the song, "When the Tired Winds" in a musicianly way, and gave with vocal purity the head notes, and sang with distinction in "Sighs the Same Dear Name." With Mr. L. Harvey she secured a marked success in the beautiful duo "Are You the Maiden," and treated "There is only the Laughter" in a pleasing manner, to which was added the delightfully performed . orchestral accompaniment. Graphically sung was "The Voice of my Dear Love!" and tastefully played was the flute obligate. With Mr. Coney a distinctive performance was secured of the operatic duo '.'Over the Wave," which was re-demanded. At the close of the cantata the soprano was warmly appkiided and presented with several beautiful floral tributes. Mr. Barry Coney contributed a vigorous performance of "Who is the Slave," an expressive leading of "When my Tender Thrilling Flute," and a varied delivery of "Waiata Maori,"' to t which was added a tenderly gung refrain. "Hokihoki Tomi" by the Maori girls and boys. Mr. F. Sutherland gave a sustained reading of "A Story Older," and the choruses and orchestral parts were adiniralbly rendered. Specially effective whs the playing by the orchestra of "The Moonlight Music," the opening Prelude and introduction to the final number. A stirring and martial rendering was secured of the battle chorus "Ra-ha!" sweetly given were "Cornea a Merry Chorus," and "Dearest Daughters," whilst "Pinions Ethereal" and "Leaving Her Tribe" were admirably delivered. Mrs. H. King gave a markedly successful rendering of "Waiata Poi" and rhythmically twisted the flaxen ball. Of an interesting nature was the singing of several choruses 'by the native girls and boys from the Maori Colleges, all of which were tastefully sung and were perfectly in tune. Mr. T. Waipouri was encored after hie tasteful singing of "Pokare Kare." A novel and enjoyable concert terminated with the performance of the National Anthem in Maori. Mr. Colin Muston ably directed and Miss E. Whitelaw was a dependable leader of the orchestra. The stage was tastefully decorated. The "Messiah" will be the next concert, which will be performed on December 13.