STELLA MURRAY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20088, 18 November 1930, Page 16

STELLA MURRAY.

SUCCESSFUL SONG RECITAL With pardonable pride we follow, at all times, the fortunes of our own folks, who go forth to establish their names :i broad, in tbe great centres of musical competition. Their success endears them 1.0 us for ever and aye. Among those making good in the attempt ivo may count Afiss Stella Murray, now on a visit lo the place of her birth, who gave us, at the Concert Hall last night, the pleasure of hearing her voice once more. .She tvas faced by a very large audience and a little wall was raised on the stage front with the bouquets presented 10 her. Her voiio has not perceptibly ■ hanged since her last appearance. In n hall not very favourable for solo voices unless they arc of the heaviest ralibre, most singers aro severely handicapi>o<l and that told to some extent the effect of her medium range, r.ut, apart from tho degrees of power the conclusion was arrived at that in the way of vivid interpretation and artistry Miss Murray has decidedly improved during her absence. She feels and conveys what she sings, and is at her best in the brightest songs. Her elaborate programme may be viewed with approval, no hackneyed music was chosen, but a large number of first-class songs wero included. In the first group stood put. Beethoven's "Creation Hymn,'' and .-.•till more Purcell's gay "There's Not a Swain"; in the second Gretchaninov's inspiring "The Dreary Steppe" brought out all her powers in tone and spirit. Arensky's "Sad .Little Bird" was invested with charm and sweetness. A melodiously noteworthy setting with * iolin and organ obblis;atos to an "Ave Maria" by Mr R. A. Home was very warmly received. Mr Arthur Gordon and Mr Arthur Lilly tastefully providing the obbligato parts. In group four Hugo Wolf's "Gardener," Richard Strauss's "Devotion." and the merry •'Bold Unbirldablo Child," made an excellent arrav. Finally Mallinson's "Four by the Clock" and "Slow, Horses, [Slow." Robert Hughes's - clever setting of Old English airs and Stanford's little gem, "The Little Snowdrop," all contributed an ample share of the evening's enjoyments. Miss Ailecn Warren played tbe accompaniments with skill and reliance.