MUSIC TEACHERS

Evening Star, Issue 22106, 13 August 1935, Page 14

MUSIC TEACHERS

SHAKESPEARE EVENING A very enjoyable programme arranged by Mrs Wakcfield-Holmes and .Mr J. B. Flynn, consisting of readings from ‘As You Like It,’ ‘Henry V111.,’ and ‘ The Taming of the Shrew,’ interspersed with music incidental to Shapespearian plays, was presented at a wellattended meeting of the Otago Music Teachers’ Association. The programme opened with a recorded version of ‘ Midsummer Night’s Dream ’ overture. The readings were given by Mrs Wake-Jiekl-Holmes, Mr J. B. Flynn, Mr Alexander M'Dowell, and Mr Ken Stewart, u r lio all gave excellent (portrayals of the various characters. The musical items were:— 1 Under the Greenwood Tree ’ and ‘ Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind,’ Mr Alexander M‘Dowell; ‘ It was a Lover and His Lass ’ and ‘ Orpheus with His Lute,’ Miss Dorothy Barron; ‘Should He Upbraid,’ Mrs A. Downer. The accompaniments were played by Mr Charles Martin. A string orchestra, with Miss J. Jones at the piano, gave an excellent performance of the three dances to ‘Henry V111.,.’ under the baton of Mr T. Vernon Griffiths. Mrs Wakefield-Holmes gave an interesting talk on ‘ The Music in Shakespeare.’ Mrs Holmes dealt with the atmosphere into which Shakespeare was born. His was a great and vital age, and he was truly and supremely representative of bis time. The Shakespearian drama teemed with vigorous vitality, and in His plays Shakespeare brought a vision of life in all its varied aspects. The {study of Shakespeare was tho study of the soul in all its words, 'i'lvo speaker quoted many references to music and musical instruments from tho plays, and emphasised the completeness and accuracy which the poet displayed with this ns with every subject lie took in band. A record of the ‘ Mad Scene ’ from ‘ Hamlet ’ brought the programme to a close. Mr Charles Martin said that it was the first occasion, on which they had combined the musical and dramatic arts at a members’ meeting.. The appreciation shown by the audience evidently proved bow very successful the experiment had been. Miss Mary Martin, on, behalf of the listeners, moved a vote of thanks to Mrs Wakefield-Holmes and Mr J. B. Flynn for organising the programme and to all the performers for contributing items.