ROYAL MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20090, 20 November 1930, Page 17

ROYAL MUSICAL SOCIETY.

LOCAL COMPOSER'S WORK. Probably for the first time in the history of the Koyal Christchurch Musical Society last night an original choral work was presented, written by 4 local composer, in the person of Mr Ar* fhur Lilly. He has made an excellent choice with Wordsworth's fino poetry on "Liie," suggestive of every phase. One often wonders why English composers of our day draw so rarely upon the treasures of older English poetry. Evidently they fear being infected by ita frequent drift 3 into sentimentality. Undoubtedly, Mr Lilly made a good choice. It is next to impossible to give, in a concert report, anything like a clear impression of an elaborate musical work. But it may be confidently asserted that Mr Lilly's powers of invention and construction came out in a very convincing way. The work is written independently, and contains many a beautil ul and appealing strain. Very good use is made of the orchestra, the opening orchestral suggeativeness is particularly aptly scored. Sometimes, perhaps, the effort to illustrate seems too conspicuous, and sometimes the orchestral setting in tho depths sounds "crude. But when all is said, it remains a very creditable piece of musical inspiration, and Mr Lilly was justly congratulated by Mr W. H. Dixon, who conducted It with circumspection, tho choru* singing well, fairly supported by tho orchestra, of which Mrs Bate is the leader. Mr Eussell J. Laurenson sang tho baritone soli expressively. Mr Lilly returned thanks for the cordial reception. The second part introduced Mascagtii's "Cavalleria Kusticana." There, of course, the orchestra is a pre-eminent feature, supporting soloists and Chorus right through, and they were alive to their responsibilities. Although Mascagni scored no success with any other work during his whole life, the merits of Cavalleria, with its beauties, it* passions, and dramatic heights, are ■>ndeniuble.

In the cast of the soloists engaged for the production, Mrs Cara Tait held the first and most exacting place with her pronounced vocal gifts, and the spirit and mastery in her interpretation of Santuzza's part. Mis 3 Merle Miller, with little scope for prominence, acquitted herself creditably. As Turiddu Mr Ernest Eogers and as Alfio Mr Laurenson were good and dependable, mostly Mr Laurenson showing dramatic power-in due course. Under Mr W. H. Dixon's absolute control *t all times the orchestra and a chorus well trained were well guided. The famous "Intermezzo" waß very tastefully played by the orchestra. The bells—well, we know, bells must be out of tune always. The large audience warmly expressed their pleasure at every opportunity. The Society and Mr Dixon may be well pleased with the result of last night's performance.