‘TOM JONES’

Evening Star, Issue 20051, 17 December 1928, Page 2

‘TOM JONES’

SPONTANEOUSLY KELO9IOUS CONCERT VERSION WORTHILY SUNG All the freshness and charm of Sir Edward German’s melodious light opera, ‘ Tom Jones ’ were strikingly exemplified in tho performance of a concert version of the work by the Leech Lyric Club Choir in His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday evening. Concert versions of opera are usually dreary and drab, but by reason of the spontaneous character of tho music and the all-round excellence of the presentation this performance attained a particularly high standard. The key note of the melodic construction of tho opera is simplicity, and therein lies a great deal of its charm. There are few complexities to worry a choir and puzzle an audience —the music is straightforward, jolly and refreshing, easily understood and appreciated. Indeed, the, music is strongly reminiscent of ; Savoy opera, combining as it does beauty, colour, and sparkle. There is nothing dull about 1 Tom Jones.’ It is delightfully English in very way, and cannot fail to charm.

The performance on Saturday, evening constituted one of the most enjoyable concerts of the whole musical season in this city*-' ’That the effort-moved the audience to enthusiasm ‘is scarcely to be wondered at. Mr John T. Leech conducted, and had under him six soloists, over eighty choristers, and a compact little orchestra. The singing of both choir and solists was exceptionally good, and all concerned nfused the greatest spirit and verve into their work. It was quite apparent ihat they enjoyed the concert every bit as much as tho audience. The principal roles were taken by Miss Valda. M'Ourdy (Sophia), Miss Doris M'Gurdy (Honour), Mr Lawrence North (Tom), and Mr W. G. Hilliker (Squire Western). All sang with a finely developed sense of tho dramatic.,worth of their music, and addressed each other instead of tinging dispassionately into space. Miss Valda M'Curdy sang the music of Sophia -very sweetly. Her clear, pure tohes were heard to excellent advantage in ‘ To-day, My Spinet ’ and ‘By Night and Day.’ The celebrated ‘Waltz Song’ was given in a distinctly attractive manner and with marked expression and polish. Miss Doris M'Curdy gave an extremely ..rtistic performance as Honour. Combining quality and power, she sang with great charm. The sprightly melody of ‘The Green Ribbon.’ was delightfully sustained, and the whole air was sung most engagingly. Miss M'Curdy sang with notable evenness, and her tone, was perfectly true throughout. Considerable artistry distinguished ,Mr , North’s performance. His fine resonant baritone voice was well used, and he created an instant impression with ‘West Country Lad,’ which was sung with spirit and fine expression. Mr North was very sure of his work, all of which was given with virility. Mr Hilliker’s interpretation of tho music of the bluff Squire was one of manifest conviction. His singing was eminently sound in every respect. ‘On a January Morning ’ was very pleasingly given, tho dialect being finely expressed. Robust bass-tones such as Mr Hilliker possesses- are only too seldom heard. Miss Stuart Mitchell and Mr Les. Stubbs sang in the minor roles and amply sustained the high standard set by the other soloists. The trios and quartets were especially delightful, and the lilting melodies were sung most attractively. Several of the individual items were, insistently encored. Mr Leech had his choir under good control. A fine balance was preserved and the singing was nicely shaded. In the concerted pieces the utmost spirit and enthusiasm were shown, and the vocal result was most effective. The tone was exceptionally fine all through the concert. Hie treatment of tho different choruses was very vivid, the refreshing choral items being a feature of the performance. As is generally the case, most of the choristers sang directly into their scopes, which, apparently, are quite indispensable at every choral concert. The orchestra, which was ably led by Mr J. Wallace, provided a fine measure of support to the vocalists, and' played the introductory airs most commendably.