N.Z. composers' works played at concert

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33443, 26 January 1974, Page 10

N.Z. composers' works played at concert

The first of a series of concerts, during the week of the Commonwealth Games, was given in the McDougall Art Gallery yesterday afternoon. Works by New Zealand composers were performed. It was a pleasantly rewarding .-oncert, well attended The hall proved to be good for sound — not over-' resonant nor too dry. but giving clarity to all details of the music. A Trio on Ancient Irish Airs by Arnold Trowel! (18871966) was played by lola Shelley, piano. Paulene Smith, violin, and Frances de Goldi. ’cello, with attractively blended sounds, expressive, and shaped with understanding and interpretative poise The music was smooth in tender vein, and neat in construction. Songs from the Cantata “Narci.sus,” by Samuel Butlei. written in Handelian idiom, were sung by Heather Taylor, whose clear timbre was admirably suited to the attractive melodic line of these charming songs. ‘‘Night’’ and “Love’s

Entreaty,” by Vera Beauchamp. were sung with welljudged feeling, and "The New Moon,” — a delightful little song by Ernest Jenner — was sung with cleverly created atmosphere. Two Piano Pieces by Ernest Jenner, were played with grace and musicianly insight by Rosemary Miller Stott. Songs by Maugham Barnett, a former City Organist of Wellington and Auckland, and Organist and Master of the Choristers at Christchurch Cathedral, were sung with happy realisation by ■ James Cahill, tenor. Rosemary Miller Stott played the clever and beautifully constructed accompaniments with fluent understanding. Three interestingly contrasted songs by Vernon Griffiths showed his immaculately tidy and erudite writing and his appreciation of the heart of a poem. Mr Cahill sang with resonant tone and with clarity. Mrs Miller Stott’s playing of all accompaniments was exemplary. the omission of works by the late Dr V. E. Galway is i regrettable. A Phantasy by Douglas Lilburn, based on the old "Westron Wynde” tune, was played by ' the Camerata String Quartet. Paulene Smith and Marjorie Sutton, violins. Elizabeth Rogers, viola, and Frances de Goldi. cello. It is a most pleasing work, fresh and imaginative, and of clear flow. It is a pleasure to welcome the Camerata Quartet whose work should prove of real value to our musical life here. . —C.F.B.