AN ENJOYABLE CONCERT

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24869, 8 May 1946, Page 8

AN ENJOYABLE CONCERT

CANTERBURY COLLEGE PROGRAMME

Owing to the regrettable illness of Mr Bernard Page, the programme which was to have been presented at Canterbury University College last evening had ,to be s changed at two hoqrs’ notice, the substituted items Were thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience, and it is hoped that the original programme will be given when Mr Page has recovered. Both the midday and evening concerts at the college have become a most welcome feature of the musical life of Christchurch, and the thanks of the city are due to Dr. Vernon Griffiths and his assisting artists for providing regularly so much lovely music.

Miss Gladys Vincent, Mr Francis Bate, and Dr. Griffiths opened the programme with Harvey Grace’s skilful and beautiful arrangement of “Sheep May Safely Graze,” by Bach, ana this was followed by the Trio Sonata in A major by William Boyce. Later in the programme they played Gade’s Trio in F, Op. 42, and the Waltz and Hornpipe by Frank Bridge. For many years Miss Vincent and Mr Bate have striven with marked success, which is due to their fine musicianship and great energy, to present chamber mfisic here. Their position in this field of music is now. assured, and' they deserve all the support that can be given them. But only those who attend the college concerts will know what a fine pianist for chamber music Christchurch has in Dr. Griffiths. In spite of the very. short time available to rehearse. the three performers played as a team, and their fine tone and excellent phrasing were greatly appreciated.

Patricia Newson sang “My Heart Ever Faithful,” by Bach; “I Attempt from Love’s Sickness to Fly,” by Purcell; “Love Eternal” and “The May Night,” by Brahms. She has a wellcontrolled soprano voice of most pleasing quality and created the right atmosphere in her singing. Miss Vincent and Dr. Griffiths were most warmly applauded for their rendering of the Sonata in E major by Handel. Handel’s sonatas are ever popular with discerning audiences, and this was a really beautiful performance.

Miss Clare Neale played three piano solos, Fantasie-Impromptu, by Chopin; Rhapsody in G minor, by Brahms; end her own Rhapsody in D flat. Miss Neale plays with vigour, tempered with most admirable control, resulting in fine gradations of tone. She is a pianist of distinction. Her Rhapsody in D flat is a most interesting composition, in which passages full of fire alternate with others of poetic delicacy. —C.F.B.