CHATAUQUA AT HATAITAI

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 85, 7 October 1929, Page 13

CHATAUQUA AT HATAITAI

For the second session of the present series Mr. Robert Parker delighted a large and appreciative audience with as musical evening entitled "Music in Modem Lite." .Mr. CM. Luke presided. The lecturer gave a most entertaining ana instructive lecture with reference to tlie place of music grouped as follows: (1) In its relation to the training of the young'; (2) as a palliative to the stress f .adult life"; (3) in relatoon to • health; (4) in- connection with homelife and social life; (5) as an aid to religious worship. Reference was made to the ever-increasing opportunity for the jyoung people of to-day and an opinion was expressed that in spite of the modem mechanisation of music, there were some hopeful signs for the future. Probably the average pupil of to-day received training of more lasting value than the young miss of a few generations ago. The sections dealing with the relief given by music tov the stress of modern life and thq place which enjoyment of the art occupied iii its recreative and even healthgiving possibilities were most stimulating. One cynic had said that the value of music in modern life was in the fact that'"it enabled one to escape from modern life. The opinion of Sir Crichton Browne, the eminent nerve specialist, given at an important conference as to the therapeutic value of music as a healing agent was quoted.

Passing to the place of music in home and social life the lecturer urged parents to encourage children to take up the study of different musical instruments. To listen to music is good, he said; to make music is better; and to make music with one's friends,is better still. Choral singing in the home was the most available form of musical culture and enjoyment, and it was perhaps the best. A genuine revival of this accomplishment would moan much lor modern life. In the religious sphere music was common to all forms of faith. Music, like prayer, could ail'ord real refreshment.

In illustration ot" his theme Mr. Parker provided a programme of vocal and instrumental music which charmed and delighted his audience. He was assisted by the following performers: Miss Joyce Low, pianoforte duet with the lecturer, a Sonata of Mozart; songs, Miss Alma Clegif, "Tho Young Nun" (Schubert), "Song of the Open," "Trees"; trios (piano, violin, and 'cello), Misses M'Grath, Byrne, and E. Henry, "The Countess oi Westmoreland's Delight," by Shield; 'Tairy Frolics," by Roger Quilter; and a composition of Coleridge Taylor; songs, Mr. C. H. Williams, "Where'er You Walk" (Handel); "Minnielied" (Brahms), and an old English folk song "Linden Lea"; vocal duet, "O Lovely Peace," Misses Alexander and Houghton. Appreciation and thanks to the lecturer and his assistants were expressed by Mr. J. C. Eiddell.

The Chatauque season will be continued and concluded on Wednesday with a lantern lecture on New Zealand Scenery, with special reference to "The New Zealand Alps," by Mr. A. P. Harper, president of the New Zealand Alpine Club.