High Standard In Liederkranzchen

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30542, 10 September 1964, Page 18

High Standard In Liederkranzchen

Outstanding in the Christchurch Liederkranzchen’s concert in the University Hall last evening were the Vittoria motet, “Duo Seraphim” (this item particularly amongst the choral works), a group of songs by Kodaly .and his pupil, Matyas Seiber, the first and third of four Trios by Brahms, and the performances of the soloists, Mrs Helen Bennington and Mr Christopher Whitta; The Vittoria was thrillingly sung. Each section of the choir maintained the inde-

pendent movement of its part in the . contrapuntal texture with sure confidence. Qualities of tone, blend and balance were very good; but it was the spirit of joy throughout that made this singing memorable.

Freely adapted from Blake’s “Night” by C. S. Terry and with W. G. Whittaker’s arrangement of music by Bach, a cantata, “The Angels,” did not give the choir the same opportunities; but again there was high quality in the performance, particularly in the first of the five movements, “The sun is descending,” and the last, “Where the mourner lieth weeping.” The Kodaly-Seiber group, full of interesting rhythmic and harmonic features, caught the singers’ imagination and was presented in an appropriately lively manner, the Kodaly “Dancing Song” and "The Straw Guy” well representing the general characteristic of the set. Of the Brahms four Trios, “Whene’er the sounding harp is heard” and “Where’er my footsteps wander” were specially good examples of the composer’s understanding of choral requirements and of his ability to write colourful accompaniments.

There was a fresh, clear and unforced vocal quality in Mrs Helen Bennington’s singing of the Strauss songs, “Longing Hearts,” “Pride of my heart” and “Serenade.” She showed full understanding of the spirit and mood-changes of each. Her performance gave unalloyed pleasure. Mr Christopher Whitta sang the first seven songs of Schumann’s “Dichterlieb” cycle. His well-trained voice and musical understanding held listeners’ attention throughout The high standard of the Liederkranzchen's present achievement is a tribute to Mr Clifton Cook’s skilled choral training and conducting. His sympathetic accompaniments and those of Mr Richard Warnock contributed a full share to the concert’s success. . —V.G.