Fine singing recital

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34097, 8 March 1976, Page 18

Fine singing recital

tasi evening. in me State-Trinity auditorium. James Cahill accompanied by Rosemary Miller Stott, gave a re-, cital for the Arts Festival. Mr Cahill’s tenor voice has interesting and beautiful quality, and he sings with intelligent control over all aspects of technical approach. There is warmth and fervour in his interpretations, in which he leaves nothing to: chance, but always avoids what might be considered pedantic or artificial. There was excellent dramatic sense brought to everything he sang. The programme, sensitively compiled, began with a group of five songs by Poulenc, well in th* refined French tradition, and sung with imagearousing dramatic insight and with colours skilfully applied.

i iicsc suiigb nau luvtiy iiicjodic line, and the accompaniments gave piquant and atmospheric harmonies. There wen many strikingly,dramatic contrasts and attacks. Accompanied by a viola played by Josephine Perry and a flute played by Judy Cooper, Mr Cahill sang the Songs of Sorrow cycle by' Kenneth Young. This was per--1; formed with feeling and with telling restraint and held the: • closest interest. Very fine i playing of the accompani-i , ments was deeply appreciated. I Mrs Stott, whose ability as . an accompanist ranks highly.'; supported her fellow artist with secure foundation and gave to the accompaniments beautiful shape of phrasing : and subtleties of expressive colouring. Her playing had rhythmic zest and enlightened imagination. Both artists ' ! showed impeccable sense of style. 1

ner soio piaving ot tsacn s Inventions was a model of stylish and beautifully controlled part-plaving. The well.; judged contrasting, colours for the interweaving strands and the poised and perfectly shaped phrasing fell most gratefully on the ear and on, the spirit. This recital would ,have graced any festival. The acoustic qualities of the theatre were excellent for this music and have improved, greatly since, the reverberaitive nature of the stage has 'been increased. Now. the sounding properties of the hall match its beauty and' comfort, making it a vervi 'valuable civic facility indeed Three songs bv Ravel, full of his subtle charm, and a group bv Eric Satie, sung with colourful sense and humour, ended this excellent and very well attended recital.. 1 —C. Foster Browne.