WAR SEA SONGS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3159, 10 August 1917, Page 6

WAR SEA SONGS

Four of the songs from Mr. Rndyard Kit>lin»'s "Sea Warfare" have been set to "music ]>y Sir Edward Elgar, and with appropriate setting, with Mr. Charles Mott as their chief interpreter, were given at the 'London Coliseum recently, under the personal direction of the composer The four numbers selected: "The Lowestoft Boat," "Fate's Discourtesy," "Subnrirines" lin d "Tho Sweepers," and under tho title, of "Fringes of the Fleet," made a scena of war sea songs of uncommon character. Sir Edward Elgar in his music meets the mood of the verso with all his fine gift, and provides some vivid musical pictures. In addition to reflecting the spirit of the .words in all its vigour, the music is notable as roa departure in the style of this composer. He has not lowered his standard, but has widened his melodic scheme, with the result that he supplies music that is admirably wedded to tho words and yet possesses a character of its own. The first number is possibly the most effective because of its fascinating refrain to the words "a-roving, a-roving, which will win it wide popularity. In the second, "Fate's Discourtesy," Sir Edward has reflected the subtlety of the words; the third, "Submarines," has a duly mysterious atmosphere; and the last, "The Sweepers," J3 « masterpiece of musical delineation full of effective touches always faithful to the quality underlying the words.