TOWN HALL RECITAL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 60, 11 March 1944, Page 3

TOWN HALL RECITAL

Sponsored by the Auckland Grammar School and given in aid of patriotic funds, a recital given on the Town Hall organ by Mr. Murray Fastier last evening drew a very large and attentive audience in which youth predominated. Mr. Fastier opened a well-chosen programme with a brilliant performance of Bach's famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, following this with Mendelssohn's fine Sonata No. 1. His other items included selections from Handel and a group of compositions by present-day organists, all of which gave the talented player much opportunity to display his undoubted virtuosity at the keyboards and tasteful choice of stops, as well as the potentialities of the noble instrument.

Miss Lesley Impey, a most promising 17-year-old pupil of Mr. Fastier, was also warmly applauded for the competent manner in which she overcame the difficulties of work by Bach and Mendelssohn. Lyla Fastier, who supplied the vocal relief in the programme, sang three waltz songs, also compositions by Bach, Purcell and Mozart. These revealed Mrs. Fastier as the possessor of a pleasant,, flexible mezzo-soprano voice and artistic temperament which she expressed both by voice and action. The singer's efforts were rewarded by much applause and many floral tributes.

Not the least appreciated feature of the evening were the performances of the school's silver band. Under the able conductorship of Mr. W. A. Jones, this wellbalanced ensemble of some 60 players played with precision several marches, an overture and a hymn tune with commendable tonal quality and accuracy of pitch. Six white-gauntleted drummers made a great impression.