Choral And Organ Recital

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32362, 30 July 1970, Page 18

Choral And Organ Recital

The Harmonic Chorale, conducted by Mr W. R. Hawkey, and the organist, Mrs Ellen Hart, gave a recital in the Anglican Cathedral yesterday evening. The chorale began with a vigorous and clearly sung performance of the motet “Exultate Deo" by Alessandro Scarlatti. There was sparkle and merriment in the singing and vivid life as well as style in the presentation. This was followed by three Verses by Richard Rodney Bennett, of which the third, “Hear Us, Lord,” was the most attractive. The works are all fairly stark in character and were sung with careful balance and with sensitive use of expression. Mrs Hart played Bach’s Chorale Prelude “Kyrie,

Christe, Kyrie” beginning with a clear but solid registration which suited the dignified character of the writing. The second part was more ethereal in style, and had a lovely interweaving of parts. The pedal sounded rather aggressive. The last section had a closer weaving and a stately movement. The choir then sang Rubbra’s “Mass in Honour of St Dominic,” in many respects possibly the best music on the programme. The Kyrie had an intense appeal. The Gloria required a wide range of expression—the “Quoniam Tu Solus” was very lovely. The Credo opened quietly in an austere fashion and had beautiful harmonic colouring of the words throughout its course. The choir kept a most commendable balance and handled the highly dramatic music extremely well. At short acquaintance the Sanctus made no strong appeal but the Benedictus was deeply moving. Malcolm Williamson’s “Fons Amoris” was interestingly registered by Mrs Hart, even if its purport was not entirely clear. The choir sang “Ave Maria” and “Laudi alia Virgine Maria” by Verdi. The latter is the more attractive work although the choir overcame the technical and expressive difficulties of the Ave Maria skilfully. The second work was sung by the ladies of the choir with lovely tone, balance, and blend. Mrs Hart began Marcel Dupre’s Prelude and Fugue in G minor with gossamer delicacy and continued in a mood of gentle meditation. The fugue had perturbation of spirit and rose to a fierce climax. Throughout her playing Mrs Hart handled the instrument with virtuoso brilliance. The chorale ended the concert with five charmingly effective carols by Richard Rodney Bennett. Mr Hawkey directed all the work of the chorale with polished artistry and stylish understanding.—C.F.B.

The Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University (Dr D. B. C. Taylor) said today that the medical school standing committee, consisting of representatives of the hospital and the university and which has been in existence for some time, passed a motion, which said:

"That this committee is of the view that no action should be taken on the latest plan announced by the Minister of Education for expansion of the Otago Medical School until the education committee of the Medical Council and the council of the Medical Association of New Zealand have been consulted and Dr K. A. K. North’s report has been completed.” Dr Taylor said Dr North had been commissioned some months ago by the hospital and the university to prepare a case for the establishment of a new medical school at Wellington. The committee’s resolution would be formally conveyed to the hospital board today