ANDERSON’S BAY GLEE CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 19385, 20 October 1926, Page 10

ANDERSON’S BAY GLEE CLUB

AH EXCELLENT PROGRAMME In these days of quick changes it is pleasant to observe mat the Anderson’s Hay Glee Clue pursues the even teupi of its way. And last night it presented as its duel offering Van Brce’s bright cantata ‘ St. Cecelia’s Day.’ This club stands as an example to_ all outlying suburbs in the city. It is a pleasant way to spend an evening a week during the winter months. Members gather round and study part singing in its various forms, and when they have become as proficient as possible under the circumstances, they give a public de inonstration of their work, thereby giv ing much pleasure to their friends. Wt congratulate Mr H. B. Austing and hi.choir on the addition of another yeai to a useful life, and wish them a happj future. On tills occasion the choii was fairly well balanced, and there wa; abundant evidence of careful rehearsal in all the part songs and choruses. It was only when singing in the louder passages that they lost quality, much of the soft singing being excellent. All taking part will surely benefft by an insido knowledge of the works performed. The opening chorus of the cantata showed the choir to be capablo ul anil aiaaca, Maoi iiuonauun, anu a good deal of expression—real virtues these—-.and it may be mentioned that tlie pitch was remarkably good all llirougli. Other clioruses tiiat went well wore ‘ Vales May bun/ which was perhaps the higu-wator mark, and a spirited rendering of the liual chorus, ‘Holy Music.’ Tno male chorus, ‘Hi,so and Break the Chains/ opened splendidly, but the tenors found it difficult to maintain the effort. The basses might liavo been a little more considerate to them. Miss Meda Paine was entrusted with the solos in tho cantata, and right well did she acquit herself. All her singing was marked with confidence. I ff rascati Glad With Beauty ’ was her big number, and she is to be congratulated on her accurate and thoughtful singing of it. The choir also sang a number ol part songs. 1 Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Cay' (from tho ‘Mikado’), ‘O, Gladsome Light’ (which was not a complete success owing to the rather quick tempo), ‘Tho Lass with tho Delicate Air ’ (very well handled), ‘Sir Eglamore/ and ‘An Eriskay Love Lilt.’ This latter is a beautiful part song, and it was so well done that it had to be repeated. Three soloists assisted in tho programme, Miss Horniblow has been heard to much greater advantage. Her songs were not of a particularly ambitious nature, and yet they seemed to lack character and imagination. ‘if There wore Dreams To Sell ’ suffered somewhat from uneasy intonation, her best number being Byrd’s ‘ Lullaby.’ which was warmly applauded. Mr Dailey sang ‘ 0, Vision Entrancing ’ very well indeed, and ‘ Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes ’ hotter. Mr Robilliard pleased greatly with his ’cello solos, of which tho favorite ‘Lo Cygno ’ was much admired. It was well played, although, if wo might offer a suggestion, perhaps a little less weight would have improved it. Miss F. H. Ayson was an effective accompanist, and Mr R. H. Nimmo assisted with organ support in some of tho choruses.