CAPABLE RECITAL

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29383, 9 December 1960, Page 19

CAPABLE RECITAL

Liederkranzchen

Popular

The Christchurch Liederkranzchen, under its new conductor, Mr Clifton Cook, gave an interesting and capably-performed recital in the University Hall last evening. There was a large attendance.

The programme began with Eric Thiman’s “Songs of England.” This tuneful music showed the choir’s expressive response and there was fair clarity of enunciation. There were some high notes which sounded rather forced at the .beginning, but the choir soon warmed to its work and produced its customary, good tone for the rest of the evening. “Tewkesbury Road” was the most attractive of the songs. Mr Anson Austin sang the Strauss “Devotion,” Brahm’s “May Night,” and “Happiness” xby Schubert. His well-produced tenor voice was well suited to these beautiful lieder and he sang with understanding arid sympathy. Mr Austin, although young, has a good platform manner, free from any tricks, and has secure control of nis voice -which has a very pleasing timbre. He is a singer who will be most useful here.

The choir then sang Schubert’s “The Lord is My Shepherd,” with splendid tone and sensitive expressive qualities. This was beautifully controlled singing and showed how careful the preparation for'the concert has been.

Mr Cook and Mr Maurice Till played Cesar Franck’s Sonata in A, for Violin and Piano. This’was an enjoyable and highly creditable performance. Mr Cook produced appealingly beautiful tone from his violin, and in interpretation gave a faithful reading of the work. His playing was beautifully phrased and shaded. Mr Till’s artistry showed in every note he played. Both performers were in full accord both with regard to all the technical requirements of the ensemble and also about the .inner meanings of the music. It was an excellent and delightful performance. ” In the second half of the programme we heard the first performance in New Zealand of a “Christmas Garland,” by Dr. George Dyson. This music was well-knit harmonically, and was full of joyful sounds. The words unfortunately were not always clear—and it is not easy to make words clear in this hall which favours tone rather than clarity. However, the general meaning and atmosphere was clear and the music, so gracious in construction. was interpreted faithfully and well. The connecting links between the various poems were sung very acceptably by Grace Hanrall, Eileen Williams, and June Thorpe. The whole work was delicately phrased and the members of the choir responded unanimously to Mr Cook’s sensitive interpretation.

The programme ended with some charming singing of several carols.

Mr Christopher Gray was an excellent accompanist for the choir. —C.F.B.