ROYAL MUSICAL SOCIETY

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23755, 29 September 1942, Page 3

ROYAL MUSICAL SOCIETY

* SECOND CONCERT OF SEASON

The Royal Christchurch Musical Society sang choruses from Handel’s “Alexander’s Feast,” a fantasia on airs from “The Beggar's Opera,” and a concert version of Bizet’s “Carmen, at the Civic Theatre o« Saturday evening. . The programme began uncertainly with singing that was out of tune. Then followed a mixed performance of “The Beggar’s Opera.” One would have liked more of the wine of which they sang to inspire them, more of the “courage, love, and joy.” This singing did not promise well for Bizet’s “Carmen,” which was to come, but, to our enjoyment, a lively version of the opera was given. The conductor, Mr C. Foster Browne, had tried the experiment of having the work accompanied by two pianos. Although this could have been carried much further, the experiment was successful. There was much to admire in Mr Noel Newson’s crisp, clear reading of this magical score. Mr Browne secured a good, easy tone from his choristers, and they sang the music as though it meant something. Obviously, the society has worked well with the music. f , Miss Iris Moxley brought a good voice to the part of “Carmen.” She sang the “Habanera" without false exaggeration. Her work was honest and not without liveliness; we have not heard her sing better. Miss Doreen Udell sang Micaela’s music with a charming voice, and a nice sense of feeling. Her second air, restless to begin with, later found a better tempo. It was good to hear. Mr Len Barnes put some vim into Escamillos Toreador song; nor did he exceed musical discretion. Mr Thomas E. West was a vigorous Don Jose. Miss Evelyn Coote sang smoothly and evenly five Elizabethan love songs. Her .enterorising choice is to be commended, her impersonal approach to the music was good, but we would wish to hear these airs in a room rather than in a concert hall. Mr Noel Newso,n played four pieces by Scarlatti with a good sense of style. He knows how to let the air into this music.—F.J.P.