SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29068, 3 December 1959, Page 19

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT

Liederkranzchen Ends Season The Christchurch Liederkranzchen wound up its activities for the year with its third subscription concert in the Durham Street Hall last evening. Once again a high standard of work was reached, and the members of the society, and their conductor, Mr John Ritchie, have cause to be proud of what has been achieved during this season. The programme, consisting of works by British composers, was bright and tuneful in character and began with “The Spring” by Armstrong Gibbs. The choir sang with clear tone and careful preservation of balance. A charming setting of “It Was A Lover and His Lass,” by E. J. Moeran was treated with dainty and well-poised singing and it had a delightful lilt. Three carols, arranged by Dr. Vernon Griffiths, were well contrasted and made a delightful little Advent and Christmas tryptych. A rousing robust arrangement by Frederic Austin of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” ended the choir’s work in the first half of the programme.

A Divertimento for Woodwind by Mozart was played by Trevor Hutton, Jack Goldsmith, Michael Shorter, Ross McKeich and William Turner. This gave piquant contrast to the singing; and it is encouraging to know that we can hear this type of chamber music from players in Christchurch. Their playing was well balanced and had a rhythmic snap. Possibly a little more smoothness and finesse is required before their playing of Mozart will be completely satisfying, but there were many passages which were very pleasing. Their second work —the first of a set of three pieces by Jacques Ibert—was most humorous and intriguing. It was played with exhilarating dash and vigour.

The second part of the programme was devoted to the annual performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, with Grace Harrall and Eileen Williams singing the solo parts. —C.F.B.