Liedertafel’s “At Home”

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32773, 25 November 1971, Page 16

Liedertafel’s “At Home”

The Christchurch Liedertafel’s “At Home” concert in the Caledonian Hall last evening attracted a big audience of subscribers and friends. The choir’s programme included works from oratoria and opera, four songs for male choir by Schubert some part-songs and spirituals by various composers, three carols, and some Hymns of Praise by Mendelssohn. The choir sang with pleasant timbres and with lively rhythm in the first group, giving expressive renderings of four unaccompanied songs by Schubert sung in German, i The blending of the voices was very skilfully done and the performance was greatly : enjoyed. Belinda Bunt a young but i highly talented violinist, was the guest artist for the evening. She began with a Clciliano by Bach, playing with rich and vibrant tone and keeping purity of melodic line. She gave life and dramatic feeling to the Seouililla

from “Carmen,” and then gave spirited performances of two contrasted Rumanian Dances by Bartok. Her playing is full of character, and she phrases with artistry.

“Since First I Saw Your Face,” a part-song written by Alexander Robson, was conducted by the composer. It is a pleasing song, effectively harmonised, and creating atmosphere. “Dark Water,” a new song for the Liedertafel, and “Rock-A My Soul,” a spiritual, arranged by Lee Gilliam, and with Ron Gray as a dynamic soloist, were both stimulating items. . Of three carols, arranged by . Desmond Ratcliffe, “A Child This Day is Born” was the most successful. There was some loss of pitch in the others.

Hubert Filer was a very efficient accompanist for soloists and choir. Mendelssohn’s “Fest Gesang,” a Christmas cantata, was sung with solid tone of well-rounded quality, giving a firm ending to The concert.

Belinda Bunt, accompanied by lola Shelley, also played a Serenade by Haydn with charming tone kept under very good control. She showed mature judgment in expression. Intonation was not always exact in "Scherzo Tarantelle,” by Wieniawski—a work which dashes about a lot but never goes anywhere useful.

J. E. Mason sang “Like to the Damask Rose’ r by Elgar and “Diaphenia” by Harold Samuel. Mr Mason can always be relied on to give artistic and shapely performances, and his singing of these songs was exemplary. George Macann sang "The Vagabond” and ’’Silent Noon,” two splendid songs by Vaughan williams. Mr Macann has a resonant voice which suited the music, and he sang with well-managed control. Keith Newson had trained the choir with his usual meticulous regard for detail, and conducted always with confident approach to the heart of the music.—C.F.B.