DON COSSACK CHOIR

Evening Star, Issue 22722, 9 August 1937, Page 7

DON COSSACK CHOIR

FORTH3SMIKG ATTRASTIOH The spirit of Russia—dignify, grandeur, simplicity, and sincerity—is materialised' in the wonderful choral singing of General Platoff’s famous Don CoSsack Choir,, which is to appear here in the Town Hall on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 17, 18, and 19. Choral work has been the basis of the music of every nation, and in no country has this been more eloquently realised than in Russia. From the time of tthe fifteenth century, the court of Moscow had its church choir composed of the greatest male voices of that time. When the Imperial choirs were no longer in existence, the Cossacks from the Don region became famous, for the beauty of their voices. In General Platoff’s organisation of singers, who have created great interest in all the large cities of the world, vivid tone pictures of Russia’s early national life, and characteristics are conjured up by their interpretation and their innate dramatic sense in translating themes that are thoughtful, simple, and sincere. Early folk-lore and traditional songs of the • ages—traversing periods of turmoil, joy, and prosperity—are vocalised with impressive effect, holding audiences spell-bound with_ the poetic notes and the unique delivery of itall. Dancing plays an integral part in the entertainment of the Don Cossacks, and it is significantly allied to the music. The clad artists give exhilarating expression to their two-fold wit, and provide an entertainment rare in the annals of the New Zealand theatre. The conductor, Nicholas Kostrukoff, provides inspirational guidance, arid ho is said to obtain remarkable’effects in tone colour from the world-famous choir. “ The Don Cossack Choir,” a critic wrote recently, “ stands in two solid lines, and without the assistance of a pianoforte or. other instruments to obtain pitch give forth the most wonderful music one' has ever heard or is likely to hear from a male choir.” The box plans will bo opened at the D.I.C. on Friday morning next.