STELLA MURRAY

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1925, Page 15

STELLA MURRAY

PLEASES A LARGE AUDIENCE. Miss Stella Murray, of Christchurch, who gave a recital at tho Town Hall last evening, is a pleasant singer of interesting songs. The texture of Miss Murray’s voice proclaims her to .be a mezzo-contralto. She is a singer of tho bright, vi’-acious order, with a clear, nicely-rounded tone of good quality, but lacking in power those dramatic and emotional qualities which go to tho making of a great singer. This prepossessing singer has a vivid sense of humour and some delicious touches of character. Her programme set no very great vocal difficulties, being composed, for tho greater part, of ballads sad. gay, humorous, quaint and beautiful, and to each nnd all she imparted a liveliness and clarity that is personal. Of Die more arresting numbers (which included no departure from her native English) Holst's lovely song, “The Heart Worships” was particularly fine, the singers admirable intonation and diction being exactly suited to the stately measure. Another remarkable song, new to ns, was Hugo Wolf’s "Come Mary, Take Comfort,” being an imagin. ary conversation between Joseph and Mary, as they near-Bethlehem, the sacred. It is a ouaint conception in song. Tn the recitative and aria, “My Heart is Weary.” from "Nadcshda” (Goring Thomas),' there was,an approach to the emotional, and “To the Forest” (Tscliail kovsky), was agreeably interpreted. “Caller Herrin” was very well sung indeed, except Hint the singer was inclined to speed unduly through the verses. Other ballads of merit that were well song were "Dido's Lament” fPurcelD. "Bless Thou the I,ord” (Craxton), “O Men From the Fields” (Hughes). “The Gardener” (Wolf), "The Blacksmith” (Brahms), "To People Who 'Have Gardens” (Kennedy-Frazer), which had to ho repeated, and “Johneen” .(Stan, ford). Tn lighter vein Miss Murray scored distinct success by her vivacious sinking of “There's Not a Swain” (Purcell), “The Terrible Robber Mon” (en. cored), "Go From Mv Window” (FullerMaitland). "Wee Willie Gray," and "The Bold. Unbiddable Child” (encored). As a final encore the singer offered two verses of “Annie Laurie.” Miss Murray’s popularity was shown by the extraordinary large number of benuti ful floral offerings handed up—a blaze of bloom which transformed the platform into a veritable garden. x Mr. Harold Whittle accompanied competently.