Harmonic Society Sings Music It Will Perform Abroad

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30828, 13 August 1965, Page 12

Harmonic Society Sings Music It Will Perform Abroad

The Christchurch Harmonic Society, many of whose members are soon to sing in the Commonwealth Festival, sang in the Civic Theatre last evening a programme containing music they will perform abroad. A large audience of well-wishers filled the auditorium. The programme began with Purcell’s ode “Come Ye Sons of Art.” Rosamundf' Connal. Ruth Harman, Anthea Moller, and Winston Sharp (the latter at very short notice) were the soloists, and the Civic Chamber Orchestra, with Miss Nan Anderson at the harpsichord, played the accompaniment, for solos and in the duet Ruth Harman and Anthea Moller sang clearly and with precise rhythm. The voices lacked the brightness that would have been given by good counter-tenors, for whom the music is intended, and something of atmosphere was lost The choir was in grand voice, producing brilliant and stylish tone with controlled ease, and singing with rhythmic snap, and a fine clarity in enunciation and in melodic line, with careful balance in richly-sounding ensemble. The dramatic nature of the work was skilfully brought out, and Mr Hawkey chose fit bting tempi and showed fine ljudement in choice of dynamics. Rosamunde Connal, re-

cently heard in an excellent presentation of lieder, showed her command of style by her sensitive choice of vocal timbre. Her tonal quality was beautifully suited to this music and her dramatic appreciation gave vivid colour and life to her work. Winston Sharp showed his musicianly ability by singing this difficult and stylised music so well after such unavoidably short acquaintance with it. In rhythm, clarity, and blend his work was secure and convincing. Vaughan Williams’s delicately beautiful “Serenade to Music” opened with richlysounding ensemble in quiet mood from the orchestra. The chorus entered with smooth pianissimo singing and created serene atmosphere. The tone was beautifully supple in expression and, when opportunity came, it could rise to a glittering blaze of sound. Within these extreme boundaries there was secure and practised technique that was equal to all artistic demands made by Mr Hawkey in this movingly beautiful presentation. Very quiet singing by a large body of voices so well balanced is always a joy to hear. Some of the finer nuances were lost because it is not nossible to balance orchestra and choirt in soft work in this theatre, where the orchestra is in one room and the greater part of the singers are in another sound-chamber.

Nevertheless the finesse, the subtle changes of atmosphere, the liquid clarity, and the beautiful merging colours from choir, soloists, and orchestra were all of a very high standard indeed and held rapt attention. Anita Ritchie, Winston Sharp, Anson Austin, and Ruth Hannan all sang with skilled appreciation of the texture and atmosphere of the composition. Special mention should be made of Heather Taylor’s lovely tone and delicate control in two solo passages sung from the body of the choir. Vaughan Williams’s “Sea Symphony” opened with a thrilling burst of intense sound giving powerful surge It was glorious work from the choir, but the orchestra also rose to grand heights. The great strength from both forces came with such good tone that while the effect was overwhelming it was not in the least unpleasingly overpowering but swept the audience along in a mood of strong excitement Although the pattern of the music is complex rhythmically, harmonically, and in orchestration, there was never a moment of confusion nor one which fell short of its full purpose. The first movement closed quietly and calmly and this atmosphere was carried over into the second, which began in shadow with wispy

antiphonal effects between the baritone soloist, Mr Winston Sharp, and the chorus, with the orchestra adding a luminous quality to the whole. Most commendable balance was kept. The last movement began with mellow timbres merging in irridescent shimmerings. The gradual building up of this movement was an impressive demonstration of control. Peace returned in the mystic spirit of the duet with its so sensitively coloured accompaniment. The early eclat in the music captures most attention and never fully returns, but the choir and orchestra overcame this inherent difficulty in the composition by making each moment of the presentation have its particular appeal.. Anita Ritchie and Winston Sharp did sterling work and brought out the dramatic significance of the music without any forcing of effect, and gave performances that were completely in unity with Mr Hawkey’s plan of presentation. Special mention must be made of the outstanding contribution of the orchestra, led by Mr John Dodds. Every moment had its exacting problems in technique and in subtle demands of musicianship, and all were met withoutstanding skill and attention to fine detail. There is. no doubt that, judging by last evening’s standard, the Harmonic Society will be heard overseas with deserved acclamation and high respect —C.F.B.