ORGAN RECITAL BY DR GALWAY

Evening Star, Issue 20239, 29 July 1929, Page 9

ORGAN RECITAL BY DR GALWAY

MAORI HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A large congregation assembled in Maori Hill Presbyterian Clmvch last evening, when Dr V. E. Galway was at the organ throughout the service and thereafter gave a recital of music eminently adapted to the resources ol the instrument, which lias just been installed. Dr Galway’s reading of the hymns was in itself a revelation of the part that music can play in creating the atmosphere, of worship. Ho'made the organ the interpreter of the meaning of each line. The anthem *'J he Radiant Morn Hath Passed Away ’ was beautifully sung by the choir, and Dr Galway’s accompaniment showed how music and words in interplay may mutually reveal each other. The ‘ Concerto in F Major,’ which opened the recital, is a typical example of Handel's work, the inner qualities of which were well brought out. ’J ho light and shade ol the music and tre general balance of parts showed (dose knowledge of Handel's characteristic style. ‘ln Elysium,’ by Gluck, which followed, is well known to lovers of orchestral music .and appreciated ior its dainty quality. Everything depends on lightness of touch and variety of lone, and in these respects Dr Galway excelled. The ‘ Toccata and .Fugue in D Minor,’ by Bach, is in direct contrast, a piece which demands execution com-, bined with dignity ol treatment. Dr Galway’s brilliant pedal was especially noticeable. Evening Song,’ by Bairslow, demanded variety ol treatment, while Guilmant's ‘Prayer and Cradle Song’ (a typical berceauso) forms a tonal contrast. These, with the ‘Caprice in G Minor,’ by Grackel, where the running accompaniment to Die melody was beautifully played and the verv hanuonous ‘lntermezzo,’ by Hollens' delighted the congregation. Guilmant’s ‘ Allegretto in D Minor,’ a piece marled by beauty ot melody and of harmony, was beautifully rendered; while the entr’acte from ‘ King Manfred,’ by Rciuccke, was interpreted in masterly fashion, llio air.of gloom and tragedy" which at first broods over the whole piece being well brought out and yielding finally to a, beautiful and harmonious comclusion, A recital which was thoroughly enjoyed by the congregation ended with the swelling ‘ M.arcli Soionmdle,’ by Madly, m which Drc.alway displayed the full lone of tile organ.