MR. ALFRED HILL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 475, 6 April 1909, Page 7

MR. ALFRED HILL.

q. COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT SUGGESTED. Many will learn with regret that Mr. Alfred Hill, the gifted composer, who lias been laid asido by a serious illness for four months ■ past, will probably have- to undergo a second operation, as the, first has not had the effect anticipated. Mr. Hill has been in a very low condition, indeed, and considerable anxioty has been expressed oil his behalf. Mr. Hill is probnbly tbe finest and most prolific composer that New Zealand has ever produced, but his talent does not end at that. Ho, without doubt, is the most offectivo conductor in New Zealand—few others are ableto draw out the- capabilities of an orchestra as does Mr. Hill. Among his best-known works are tho operas "A Moorish Maid" and "Tapu," and tho melodious Maori cantata "Hinemoa." He has written many songs, tho best-known of which aro "When I Am Dead," and that quaint little- " Poi Waiata " now boing sung by Mr. Kenherloy Rumford in England. Only recently Miss Ada Crossley requested Mr. Hill to write a song for her, and during her stay in Wellington visited the invalid musician. There was no better patriotic song written during the South African war than Mr. Hill's "When tho Empire Calls," and his ballad "Julia" has been made familiar to concert-goers in Wellington by his brother, Mr. E. J. Hill. But his great work has been the collating of those snatches of real Maori melodies, which but for him would have been lost. These Mr. Hill intends to uso in various ways, whilst still preserving tho purity of the original melody. He has worked some of thesoold times and chants into a very fine Maori Symphony (for the piauoforte), which few have been permitted so far to hear, but which is said to be a beautiful work, displaying high musicianly qualities of an unconventional order. It has been suggested that the present is an excellent opportunity for the public of Wellington to show its deep regard and esteem for Mr. Hill, himself the most retiring and least protcntious of individuals, who has, unfortunately for himself perhaps, lived for his art alone. It is believed that a ready response would be made by all classes of tho community if the right people would come forward to take in hand tho work of arranging a big complimentary concert, to be given in tho Town Hall, in recognition of tho pleasure Mr. Hill has given the Wellington Sublic, both as a composer and as a conuctor, for many years past. Such a tribute is well deserved, and the occasion calls.