Enjoyable Performance Of “Merrie England”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31234, 5 December 1966, Page 18

Enjoyable Performance Of “Merrie England”

The South Brighton and Rangiora musical societies combined in an enjoyable performance of the comic opera “Merrie England” (Edward German) in the Rangiora Town Hall on Wednesday evening. A moderately sized audience showed its appreciation of the presentation of a slightly abridged version, in concert form, of this popular work.

There is a perennial freshness, suggestive of rural England in springtime, about many of the well-known songs from “Merrie England” and this was noticeable during the singing of the many lilting melodies, and the choral harmonies made good listening. Mr Geoffrey Thorpe, conductor of both the Rangiora and the South Brighton choirs, had good control of the composite choir of about 50, and drew from it pleasing vocal tone. There was ready response to the conductor’s demands, with flexibility of line in part singing, and fair to good balance in the chorus work.

With the limited opportunities for combined practices this was an achievement, and the principals and chorus showed awareness of the unfolding drama, evocative of Elizabethan England, round which the musical structure is built.

The opening chorus “Sing adown” set the scene for what was to follow, with its strong and flowing line. The quintet “Love is Meant to Make us Glad,” and the songs with chorus—“ The Yeomen of England,” and “Oh Peaceful England”—all had popular appeal. The finale to Part 1 “It is a Tale of Robin Hood” was a highlight. The “Month of May,” introducing Part 2 and sung by principals and chorus, was a spirited rendering. Lightness in the singing of unaccented notes and good forward tone helped in this. There was some huskiness among the tenors in the male chorus, “The Sun in the Heavens is High,” a drinking song, but the male quartet came off well, and soloists and choir obviously enjoyed themselves in the finale, “Robin Hood’s Wedding,” sung in happy mood. Solo character parts were taken by Margaret Jenkinson

(Bessie Throckmorton), June McWilliam (Jill All-alone), Carlene Shapcott (Queen Elizabeth), Ernest Rogers (Raleigh) and Alexander Robson (Earl of Essex). Margaret Jenkinson’s singing of the waltz-song, “Who Shall Say,” was applauded and the veteran Christchurch tenor, Ernest Rogers won a tribute for his singing of “The English Rose,” while the quartet “In England, Merrie England,” by Bessie, Jill, Raleigh and Essex, was also well received.

Mavis Allison and Mary Turnbull provided the piano accompaniment, in duet form, and played with admirable taste. Their playing was bright, clear and vivacious in the dance, while the simulated orchestral effects in the interludes were helpful. The performance of “Merrie England” almost brings to an end the year’s activity for the Rangiora Musical Society, though there remains the Christmas programme, to be given this year in St. John’s Anglican Church on December 14.