HARMONIC SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 64, 13 September 1939, Page 17

HARMONIC SOCIETY

CHOICE CHORAL SINGING

An excellent programme and performance of choral music was given last night by the Harmonic Society. The numbers selected were noteworthy for their diversity,-ranging from items by Brahms to Tschaikowsky, John Dowland to Elgar. Opening with the part song "The Song of the Gale" (Myles B. Foster), the choir at once showed its sincerity and ability to co-operate with its conductor, Mr. H. Temple White, in interpreting the spirit and mood of the work in hand. Later in the concert, in the difficult "Storm Song" (Montague Phillips) the singers gave a highly expressive reading of the work and one in conformity with the best traditions iof choral singing. The "Hymn to the Trinity" of Tschaikowsky was sung without accompaniment and was, perhaps, the most beautifully rendered item of the evening, remarkable for the reverent and meaningful expression of both words and music. The balance of voices, rich tone colour, and polished phrasing characteristic of almost every number sung during the evening were nowhere more conspicuous in the programme %han in this hymn and in the Dowland number "Praise Blindness, Eyes" (a transcription by Peter Warlock). The Brahms song "To Autumn" was also exquisitely sung and that with an acute sense of light and shade. Between the choir and its. conductor there appeared to be a complete understanding, and every effect or nuance he desired was responded to promptly and intelligently. The humorous side of choral singing was not overlooked for "Land of Greeno," a part song remarkable for its farmyard "imitations," was a popular success; so, too, was "Massa's in the Cold. Cold Ground," an arrangement in form of a dirge (sung with rare feeling) of the well-known negro song.

The concert was distinguished by the performance 6t several solos for the 'cello by a highly-accomplished player, a recent arrival in New Zealand in the person of Marie Vandewart, Mr. T. J. Kirk-Burnnand being pianist. The items played by Miss Vandewart included adagio and allegro movements by Schumann and the Ist and 2nd movements, adagio and allegro from sonata No. 6 by Boccherini. Miss Vandewart captivated her audience by her sheer artistry and her innate, sensitiveness and beauty of tone! She showed herself to have a complete mastery over her instrument. Recalled at the close of each of these performances the 'cellist gave additional proof of her superb technique in supplementary and short pieces. Mr. Kirk-Burnnand gave valuable and restrained support.

Mr. Lawrence North, a baritone who has been heard with pleasure over the air, proved to be a great acquisition to the society in this concert. He sang three songs by Schubert, showing as much respect for the words (in English) as for the music. He was eminently successful, too, in the French marching song "Au Pays" (Augusta Hilmes) and in "The Two Grenadiers" (Schumann). Mr. North sang as if he meant all he sang and he', was recalled with enthusiasm and sang again after each of his group of numbers. Mrs. Ester Caigou gave valuable support as accompaniste. .