A RARE TREAT

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 145, 23 June 1927, Page 6

A RARE TREAT

MISS CRUICKSHANK'S RECITAL

When Miss Kathleen Cruickshank left for England about six years ago to continue her vocul studies, it was generally recognised that she had a voice of big possibilities. These possibilities have become actualities, and she returns to is'ew Zealand a finished singer and an artist. Hew is a pure mezzo-soprano voice with notes that are rich, warm, and rounded, and she has a charming personality. In every song Miss Cruickshank creates an atmosphere and her . deft touches o£ artistry make her singing v sheer delight. At the Concert Chamber last night; she gave her first recital since her return from abroad, and the only fault was that it was too short. Not that it was not a generous concert, but it is seldom local audiences hear such a joyous performance. Miss C'ruickshank,- reminded one Of Miss Edna Thomas,- famous interpreter of negro melodies and spirituals. She seemed to be in love with every song on her programme, and her happy descriptions were greatly appreciated. Miss-Cruickshank recognised the field of the mezzo, and in each item the melody liner was paramount. The first half of the programme included two gems from tlie old English composers, "Go to Bed, Sweetie; Nurse" (Robert Jones) and "Come Again" (John Dowland), and a Scottish W'.ir, "Herding Song." These were marked- by sincerity. '■ The two moderns, "Diaphenia" - (Harold - Samuel) and "When Childhor Plays" (Watford •Davics), were beautifully sung, and the dramatic theme of: "Mgahill" (Rbsenfield) .was well sustained. The second 'bracket concluded with "A Soft Day" (Stanford) and. "At the Well" (Hogemau), and two encores were demanded. In the second half of the programme Miss Cruickshank appeared iii a charming crinoline costume, and sang a series of children's songs. Each was a thing of beauty, especially thu five songs from '"When We Were Young" (A. A. Milne), arranged by Fraser-Simsou. 1 here were caressing notes in "The City Child" (Stanford) and. joyousness. in "0 Can le.Suw Cushions" (arranged by Malcolm Lawson), and "Cuckoo" (Martin Shaw). There were alsb exquisite touches in "Maman, dites-Moi" and "Petibnillc" (arranged by Weckerlen), two French airs. An enthusiastic audience now insisted on four encores, which were graciously given, and which included.two negro spirituals, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" and "I Got a Robe." It is to be hoped that Miss Cruickshank will again give one of these intimate recitals' jn the near future, and that besides including some- of the "«est works of our great English composers will also- give, songs from Brahms and other writers of German lieder, and perhaps a bracket from Mozart. . Her voice 'is one singularly suited for Mozartian arias. .'■• Mr. Harold Whittle-was a sympathetic accompanist. , ■