Singing Boys Of Mexico's Delightful New Programme

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28222, 9 March 1957, Page 2

Singing Boys Of Mexico's Delightful New Programme

A new programme was given in the Civic Theatre, last evening by the Singing Boys of Mexico, who have begun here what should be a most successful tour of New Zealand. The boys, and their director. Mr Rogelio Zarzosa, deserve all the success which will come to them, because they certainly give a splendid example of a high degree of choral skill applied to bright and attractive music.

The boys follow every direction which Mr Zarzosa gives them for interpretation with faultless attention; and subtleties of nuance and expression, careful gradings in dynamics, remarkable and apt changes of vocal colouring, and quick appreciation of alteration in complex rhythmic patterns, all bear evidence of the most skilful training given to them and assimilated by them.

In addition to their technical ability, there is a most refreshing vitality and vigour in their work, and a spontaneity which gives the utmost zest to their performances. Although, in their long tour through many lands, the boys must have sung these songs hundreds of times, custom has not staled their interpretations, and the impression given is that the music is fresh to them and that they delight in sharing it with their audience.

The vivacity of the Latin temperament. nurtured in a land blessed by abundant sunshine, is reflected in voices specially picked for their beauty. All these things combine to make up an entertainment which has a great audienceappeal, and this is apparent in the reception the boys deservedly receive.

t-> this programme, some of the Mexican songs, which—together with songs from neighbouring countries—are the most interesting items, are fairly well known to us here. “Cielito Lindo,” “Estreilita,” and “La Paloma” have long been familiar, but this choir can give us an authorised version which makes all the difference. The Neapolitan song, “Torna a Sorrento,” also will be a great favourite on the tour.

“Las Posados”—a special Christmas song—is intensely interesting and the music conveys clearly the charming custom so well described in the programme notes. Attractive Repertoire

Other highly attractive songs are the plaintive Anoranza Indigena” from Colombia, a rollicking Venezuelan song called “Alma Llanera.” which both in meiody and rhythm is a delight, and a most charming song from Cuba. “The Song of the Pe.anut Vendor.” All these songs are splendidly arranged and suit the voices excellently. Another most attractive arrangement is heard in “Old Folks at Home.” and the English words are sung with commendable clarity. Surprisingly enough, a rendering of “Auld Lang Syne” showed that the kilt and the sombrero can be worn together without too striking an incongruity. The first section of the programme—the sacred and classical songs—opened -with good singing

of Palestrina’s “Bone Pastor” and "Domine Non Sum Dignus.” These motets are very suitably arranged for boys’ voices and were stylishly performed, although it is questionable whether quite so much volume was necessary in the theatre. However, each contrapuntal strand was wonderfully clear and the phrasing was adequate.

Unfortunately, these were followed by the most ghastly and debased arrangement of Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” What happened to this composition under the arranger’s treatment—this has nothing to do with the boys’ singing of it—amounts to a sin. Never in a long experience of concertgoing has the writer heard such musical blasphemy before. It could not be too strongly recommended that this horror should be dropped from the programme immediately because it is certain to offend all hearers who know and like the original, and this could have a bad effect on the choir’s reputation. The arrangements of Brahms’s “White Roses” and Offenbach’s “Barcarolle” are open to question, but there is no question at all about this carving up of Schubert. This section of the programme ended with that excellent “Vencrabilis Barba,” by Mozart, which was a sheer delight. The Singing Boys of Mexico will give their last two concerts in Christchurch today at matinee and evening performances. However, it is greatly to be hoped that their tour arrangements will permit them to return later to give us another series of nost delightful concerts. —C.F.B.