CONCERT OF CAROLS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28448, 30 November 1957, Page 8

CONCERT OF CAROLS

Harmonic Society Presentation There was full attendance at the Civic Theatre last evening for the Harmonic Society’s Christmas carol concert. Whether the society is late in observing last year’s festival or on the early side for this remains an open question. Be that as it may, even in the last days of the season of Trinity the choir can present a programme of attractive carols and sing them very well. The popular Cowboy Carol, arranged by Malcolm Sargent, was given an appropriately rip-roaring performance. Two others, by the same arranger, “The Cherry Tree Carol” and “To a Baby” were sung with all the delightful finish which Mr Peters knows so well how to impart to his choir. In soft tonal quality and in expressive shading they were of a very high standard indeed. Mr William Hawkey, the society’s talented accompanist, was the composer of “If Ye Would Hear.” This proved to be a most effectively written work with plenty of harmonic and rhythmic variety. Mr Hawkey has aptly caught the unmistakable atmosphere of a carol and, at the same time, preserved originality. The work appeared to be as enjoyable to sing as it was to hlear. , A short cantata by Stanley Marchant for soprano soloist and male voices was sung clearly and well, but did not impress deeply as a composition at a first hearing. Mrs Boyd-Wilson was an excellent soloist An Austrian and a Swedish carol, both arranged by Leslie Woodgate, did not seem to have much atmosphere, but they may have lost something in translation and would probably be more effective if sung by a smaller group of singers. jGibbon’s great anthem “Hosanna to the Son of David” was sung with admirable clarity and balance. The choir was heard to splendid effect in an arrangement of “In Dulci Jubilo.” There was a most pleasing lilt and excellent expression throughout the performance. School Choirs The first half of the programme was sung by the choirs of the Christchurch Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools. This time of the year, when examinations go through schools like the measles, is not an ideal time for the preparation of concert programmes and the general standard of the singing was below what is customary at the usual school concerts. Nevertheless, the combined choirs, conducted by Mr Clifton Cook, sang “Angels from the Realms of Glory” .very well, although there was some inept phrasing, and gave a very successful performance of ‘‘And the Glory of the Lord.” They sang the Czech carol “Rocking” expressively. It was difficult to assess Mr Cook’s “Carol of Thanksgiving” as the words were not heard.

The girls’ choir, conducted by Mr Peters, sang three carols by Vaughan Williams and a setting —not an attractive one—of a Welsh carol. There was admirable precision and good tone in softer passages. In heavier work the tone was hard and unyielding. The enunciation was very good. The trebles of the boys’ choir sang a French carol arranged by Mr Cook with expression and the Sixth Form Singers sang “He Smiles” clearly, but “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” was not quite so successful. The combined choirs sang “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with rousing eclat.

Anson Austin sang “Comfort Ye” and “Every Valley Shall be Exalted.” He has a very promising tenor voice and he sings clearly and with no mean degree of skill in interpretation. His voice is steady and he keeps a clear and rhythmic line. He has obviously given careful attention to vowel production.

Alistair Stokes’s voice is not yet mature enough in quality to sing “Thus Saith the Lord” and “But Who May Abide” with the depth and resonance they demand. Credit must be given to him for getting the notes but his vowels need considerable attention and it would stretch critical charity too far to suggest that these renderings came to satisfactory performances. The boy was set an impossible task. The concert will be repeated this evening. —C.F.B. Injections of papain, an enzyme found in green papaya, cause rabbits’ ears to wilt.