TECHNICAL COLLEGE MUSICIANS IN TRIBUTE TO CONDUCTOR

Evening Star, Issue 26137, 26 June 1947, Page 10

TECHNICAL COLLEGE MUSICIANS IN TRIBUTE TO CONDUCTOR

The valedictory gesture of the Dunedin Technical College musicians to their emulator last night (and one that will be repeated through another performance this evening) was not only apt, but also very expressive. Tin's farewell concert in itself provided a fitting tribute to .Mr Frank Callaway’s particular musical ability, for the massed ranks of his pupils* who assembled in the Town Hall appeared to be infected with the significance of the occasion, and the result was a recital that must rank among the best of the series yet given by the college. Mr Callaway has strengthened the foundations (firmly established by his predecessor, Professor Vernon Griffiths) as musical director, and both the college and the public (which was represented in force at the concert) will follow his musical career overseas with particular interest and pleasure. The senior orchestra has improved, and its playing was a feature of the recital. The strings were intelligently balanced, there was tonal strength, and there were some lovely modulated effects, such as, for instnace. in Handel’s ‘ Music for the Royal Fireworks ’ suite. It was a pleasure to hear the ’cellos providing a confident background to the music. "Professor Vernon Griffiths was given an appropriate place in the programme, and his ingenious Overture in G (Minor was played with a verve that reflected a thorough knowledge of a work that lias been played often at previous concerts. It was a commentary on the tonal qualities achieved by the college orchestra that when it was reinforced by the woodwinds and the brass section it maintained the same measured nuances. The massed orchestras—the broadcasting ensemble also entered into proceedings—played with an effect of immensity, and there was an atmosphere of grandeur about such literature as the. Charles Woodhouse Suite and Sibelius’s tone poem, ‘ Finlandia.’ which, incidentally, was a highlight. Here the oboes and the clarinets were, prominent. A string octet rounded off the orchestral work neatly with a graceful interpretation of Mozart’s Rondo in B F'lat.

The choral work was satisfying, but there were some faltering and disconnected passages in the part singing. That is to be understood in such a youthful choir and in one of such size. But it was refreshing to hear the clarity of enunciation, which could provide a model for other choral organisations in the citV to copy to their advantage. The choir’s responses to the demands of Mr Callaway were clear-cut, and the descant work in the hymn ‘ Praise My Soul ’ was most effective. -The performance of 1 Loch Lomond y was a disconnected one, but 1 Lift Up Your Heads ’ (from Handel’s ‘ Messiali ’) was a fine declamatory effort.' Dr V. E. Galway bas always been deeply interested in the musical life of the college, and he again was of assistance in his role as organist.