Liederkranzchen concert

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33096, 11 December 1972, Page 16

Liederkranzchen concert

The Christchurch Liederkranzchen, conducted by Geoffrey Thorpe, sang in the Arts Society Hall on Saturday evening, beginning with part-songs by Brahms and Praetorius. In the first song, the voices were pushed, and too strong a tremolo in some of the voices detracted from tonal purity, blending, and clarity. The second was more successful, for a lighter approach gave clearer line. Wobble prevented a stylish type of [tone developing in the Praetorius, and there was poor I clarity of line. Seven Spanish songs by 'Manuel de Falla were sung by Ngaire Johnston with exemplary appreciation of style and atmosphere. Wallace Woodley was the accompanist. there being excellent accord bet..eeo him and the singer. In phrasing, expression, in tonal colourings, and in rhythmic variety and control both artists gave splendid rendering of these interesting and lovely songs. Duets by Beryl Gough and Maisie Collins, “Klosterfraulein” and “Die Boten der iLiebe.” by Brahms, were badly placed on the programme for they did not have (the interest of the Spanish songs. Charles Martin played the accompaniments. Three part-songs by Clokey, Bantock. and Beadell followed, The first had little musical interest and the words were far from clear. The second, the folk-song “O Can Ye Sew Cushions,” needed more simple and easy voice production. The third had some dramatic and atmospheric effect of the wind on the prairie, and was sung with imagination. Although there was better blending of timbres in Verdi's “Laudi Alla Vergine Maria.” the interpretation of this dif-

ficult motet was not , quite what is required. Intonation fell from time to time despite Mr Martin’s hints on the piano—in an unaccompanied work, these called attention to, rather than cured, the lapses. Hope Parkinson’s most attractive voice was heard to good advantage in three songs by Grieg. She had admirable control of tone and expression and sang with beautifully clear line of tone. There( I was vitality and fresh quality! jin her voice. Nan Anderson (was a good accompanist, but all the piano work throughlout the evening tended to | boom somewhat in the bath-|room-like resonance of the! (hall. The quality of the in-( I strument left plenty to be! I de c >red. Four carols — mainly! !French — were disappoint-! ing. Only the last had musical! imerit. When there are al-! ready several good settings! (for “O Little Town of Beth-1 (lehem” there seems little ex-1 I ".use for this one by L. H.( Redner, which never camel (within measure of capturing; I the spirit of the poem. The voices of Grace Harrall! (and Ngaire Wilson combined (pleasingly in duets by Mendelssohn and Dvorak. They I sang clearly with easy production. Ngaire Johnston was an ef■fective soloist in the cantata.' “A Christmas Garland.” by! iDvson. It was a earland of! rather faded blooms. The: words could not be heard and! the general effect of the' music was stodgy. The choir sang it with good cohesion land vitality. Charles Martin (accompanied with bright tone and rhythmic verve. His' iwork.throughout the evening! I was most helnful. Geoffrey Thorpe conducted with care throughout the evening. I —C.F.B.