WELLINGTON MUSICAL UNION.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 42, 13 November 1907, Page 7

WELLINGTON MUSICAL UNION.

"THE BRIDE OF DUNKERRON." For concentrated drama in music, Henry Smart's "The Bride of' Dunkcrrou" deserves a much higher place than it is generally accorded,in the scalo of English cantata. It broathos a -fine inspirational atmosphere. Tho large audience present at tho Town Hall last evening owes something to the Wellington Musical .Union for the happy thought that rendered its performance possible. " The Bride of Dunkerron " was written as far back as 1861 for the Birmingham Festival, whon its morit was at once recognised. Tho libretto is especially fine, aud there arc many fino numbors studding the thread of the story of i/ord Dunkerron's lovo for the sea-maiden and his destruction' which follows his pursuit of his lovo "to the dark waves below." Tho cantata opens witli chorus of serfs vaguely wondering what has como over their lord. This is followed by a chorus of. sea-maidens, who ciltranco Dunkorron (Mr. E. J. Hill) with -their sweet songs, and. him witli an excuse for an impressive recitativo (""Tho Moonlight Glitters") and aria ■ (" The full moon is beaming"). In turn, tho Sea-Maiden (Miss Buckmann) is attracted to hor mortal affinity, and 'a florid duet ensues rich in impassioned love- passages, and concluding with t.n

avowal of .their /mutual adoration'. Dunkorron, defying 'death, rollows tho SeaMaidon to her ocean homo, but sho can only he his l)j' gaining tho consent of her sire, tho Soa-King (Mr. C. Clarkson), who is unsympathetic, and orders tho storm spirits to destroy him, and finally—

"Whore, the broad sea rushes in with a shout,. ' _' ' Where the wreck is east up and the winds wail about, Where tho tide through tho chasm flies back with a roar, The Lord of Dunkerron lies dashed on the shoro:

Silent in death, all alone on tho shore I"

Such a story could not fail to be interesting when set to such effective music as the late Mr. Smart furnished, and its reception last evening was very hearty. Thero we.ro weaknesses, of course, that obtruded hero aiid thero that might have been removed by a little more earnest rehearsal. In tho earlier stagos of the work tho orchestra's lack of perfect unanimity caused roughnesses which wore not improved by certain of the strings being out of tunc. Suavity of tone in the French horn is difficult to obtain in an amateur band, but tho brasses all round improved as tho performance advanced, and finally a good swing was obtained. The soloists Wore'highly satisfactory. Miss Bosina Bucknuinn as.,tho Sea Maiden was never heard to better advantage in .Wellington.. The timbrous fluto-like quality of her voice imbued tho part with a distinct character that was delightful to hear. The melodious aria "Our Home Shall bo on this Bright Isle" was charmingly rendered. Thero was a fine vocal assurance in tho succession of "sustained heights," and she introduced a fine spirit in hor duets with Mr. Hill. That gentleman had an orchestra to contend with in his opening, recit. and aria, but his w r el]-k'nown vocal verve stood him in oxcollent stead and his work was good .throughout. Mr. C. Clarkson's tuneful baritone was hardly equal to tho.Cyclopian part Of the Sea King, with its immense dramatic possibilities—it needs ail Andrew Mack to realise tho character; still. Air. Clarkson sang the music faithfully, if not with tho fullest effect. The chorus was patchy, the tenors lamentably weak, and an occasional indecision in attack left something to be desired, but on the whole, and especially towards the end, they did fairly wfll. The cantata was conducted by Mr. Eobcrt Parker, with Herr Max Hopper as loador and Mrs. Cachemaille at tho piano. Trior to tho performance of "Tho Bride of Dunkerron," Mendelssohn's "Hear My I'raycr" was nicely sung, with Miss Buckmaun as soloist. Tho only other item was tho Mendolssohn "Cappricio Brillante" for piano and orchestra. Miss C. Simpson, L.A.8., as soloist,, played very well indeed, but without brilliance.

During the evening Mr. J. W. Joynt, President of the Union, drew the attention of the audience to the approaching complimentary honofit to ho tendered to Horr Max Hoppo (loader\ and hoped that all present would show their practical sympathy with tho object.