Richard Greager recital

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33093, 7 December 1972, Page 18

Richard Greager recital

Richard Greager, who recently returned from Australia to sing “Gerontius,” gave a recital in the James Hay Theatre last evening, accompanied by Wallace Woodley. The recital was arranged by the Royal Christchurch Musical Society. There was a large audience. Mr Greager began with two arias by Alessandro Scarlatti, “Ergiti Amor” and “Vi Credo, O No.” The first was florid and was sung clearly, although the tone sometimes sounded forced. The second was more restrained, the tone being of very good quality. Mr Greager sang it with attractive legato style. The vibrato used was sometimes excessive.

Beethoven’s lovely song, "Adelaide,” was stylishly sung, with rich tone and romantic warmth. There was a fitting expansiveness in interpretation, with wellrounded and shapely phrasing. In the Schubert songs, Mr Creager’s voice opened out and became more intense and (gentle. When power was

needed it came without forcing, and kept its sympathetic quality and colour. In two songs by Mahler, there was the same vibrancy of voice, but a gentler and more smooth approach would be more acceptable. The inclusion of four songs by Christchurch composers was a happy thought much appreciated. Two by Vernon Griffiths were “And Shall Trelawney Die?” and “Wrong Not Sweet Empress Of My Heart.” The first is a stirring song with intense drive and strong melodic line and harmony, and was sung >n full appreciation of its style and mood. The second has lyric charm of rare delicacy, and was sung with beautiful tone and phrasing. Two songs by Clifton Cook were intense and dramatic, calling for wide emotional stress. They were sung with striking and powerful force and were very well received. Mr Cook, who was Mr Creager's teacher in Christchurch, played the accompaniments. Three early songs by Richard Strauss —his very lovely '“Devotion,” followed

by “The Night” and “The Dahlia” —were most successfully performed. In choice of timbres and expression and in clarity of presentation, Mr Greager reached a high standard of interpretation. The programme ended with operatic arias by Donizetti, Verdi, and Giordano. In singing these, Mr Greager showed far more than ordinary ability, and if he gains favourable opportunities should carve the career we all hope for him. He can create atmosphere and character and has exceptionally good qualities of voice for operatic work. These were stylish, memorable, and moving performances. Mr Greager has wide range in his voice which is even throughout its extent. There is plenty of power when called for, which comes without forcing. His qualities of tone are such that the listener welcomes them without tiring of them throughout a long recital. Wallace Woodley was a talented and helpful accompanist. —C.F.B.