CHRISTCHURCH LADIES’ CHOIR

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23495, 25 November 1941, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH LADIES’ CHOIR

LAST RECITAL OF YEAR A cantata by Charles Wood, “Eden Spirits,” formed the main’part of the programme of the Christchurch Ladies Choir for their last recital of the, year. The cantata, an even work, runs true to a genuine vein of melody. The choir, conducted by Mr - Alfred Worsley, managed nicely its gentle lyricism. The soloist was Miss Grace TorkmgOther part-songs heard, Vittorio Ricci’s "The Violet," Ethel Boyce’s “Magic Lutes," and Norman Peterkin’s “By a Bank,” did not amount to much musically, the first of them being downright rubbish; but the choir sang them all well enough. . One of the difficulties this choir faces is the lack of music available. Pretty little part-songs finally do not hold one’s interest. This choir might attempt some of Vaughan Williams’s music, and some of Kodaly’s folk-songs, for women’s voices. Other songs on the programme included Mr Worsley's ’’A Thrush” and “The Fairy Horse," Frank Bridge’s “Pan’s Holiday,” Walford' Davies’s “A Song of Rest," and Percy Fletcher’s arrangement of “The Bells-of Aberdovey.” , > : Two attractive duets by Dvorak, “The Vow of Faith” and “Like a Violet,” were Pleasantly sung by Mrs I. M. Greenway and Mrs E. T, Hill. Some of the best work of this society lies in its presentation of unfamiliar duets and trios. Mesdames C. Haase, W. Ledsham, and R. Broadbelt sang Parry’s “Hymn To Night.” Mrs Ledsham sang three of Schubert’s songs, “Lullaby,” “Peace,” and “My Resting Place.” The last-named, a profound, beautiful song, was quite moving. “Peace” had too many broken lines and an inadequately conceived pianoforte accompaniment. Mrs Vernon Mathews sang Grieg’s “In a Boat,” and his “Hidden Love.” Miss Betty Hall played Grieg’s “Sonata in E Minor” on an out-of-tune piano. The first movement was given a stolid reading.