WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS

Evening Star, Issue 18255, 20 April 1923, Page 5

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS

RETURN SEASON. Mr Edward Branscombe’s company of singers presented quite a new programme at Burns Hall last night, and the largo audience is evidence that the short return visit is much appreciated. All the company were in good form, and if the- encores demanded had been acceded to there would have been a rush for “ tho last car.” As it was the performers were very generous, in some instances making three appearances. As before, the concerted singing was (naturally) the strongest feature, being well balanced and blending effectively, and its smoothness and musical accuracy were charming. These attributes were especially noticeable in the opening piece, ‘ The Hunt Is Up,’ and the popular ‘ Bells of St. Michael’s Tower,’ though all were well rendered. Of the men soloists Mr Cunningham scored well in ‘ The Windmill ’ and ‘ The Sands o’ Deo,’ his stage presence helping in no small degree. As an encore to the former he gave ‘Until.’ Mr John Andrews’s singing of ‘A Sailor’s Life’ was undeniably encored, and ho responded with tho ‘ Calf of Gold ’ song from ‘ Faust.’ Mr Branscqmbe’s arrangement of 1 Tho Lowland Sea’ just suited Mr Ellis Vizard’s tenor voice, and he also had to give another item. The boys were again charming in their renderings of solos and part songs, Masters Harry Collier and Albert Cooper pleasing all with their sweet singing and winsome manner. Mention must also bo made of tho part songs, a striking effect in 1 'The Village Blacksmith ’ being obtained by tho singing of tho ‘Sunday ’ verse, by Harry Collier from tho wings. ‘ Spin, Spin ’ was another decided success. Even the extra, but unintentional, “ rat-a-tat ” in ‘ Tim Letter ’ but added to the charm of the piece._ But there is no need to enumerate every item. All were good, and lovers of good music of the true English type can be recommended to go to-night and hear this talented company in another of its varied programmes. It will include two anthems —‘God is a Spirit’ and ‘Give Ear Unto Mv Prayer’—and the carol ‘ Bethlehem. Master Albert Cooper will sing 1 Nymphs and Shepherds’ and ‘Where the Bee Sucks.’