ORGAN RECITAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 July 1924, Page 8

ORGAN RECITAL.

A WELL-SELECTED PROGRAMME.

One of the best arranged programmes selected by Mr. L. H. Goddard, L.A.8., was presented at his recital at St. John s Church, on Monday. There was a fair attendance, who thoroughly enjoyed the items, though the fact' that the instrument was somewhat out of tune detracted a little from the beauty of the harmonies. The organist again showed what can be done by careful and artistic registration, and' went to great trouble to secure the colourings which the composers desired and which could be obtained more easily on a three-manual organ. Interest was maintained throughout the programme, the most attractive number being the finale from Tschaikowsky’s symphony “Pathetique,” a composition full of colour and with plaintive phrases resting upon a sustained note of sadness, which marks the whole of the work. Mr. Goddard played the number in his best style. Bac-h was represented by the ‘‘Fantasia in G minor,” a'work making severe demands upon the technique of the player. The unusual construction of Karg-Elert’s compositions was demonstrated in that composer’s “Harmonies du Soir,” the organist succeeding in gaining marked contrasts with the flutes and strings, ending with a soft phrase, repeated as if indicating the composer’s determination to secure his effect, even though he infringed the rules, A clear and attractive rendering was given of the air from Gofflmark’s Violin Concerto, while an andantino by Padre-Martini, Handel’s Minuet (Samson),, Roger Quilter’s “Rosamund,” Harris’s Fantasia on “Veni Emmanuel,” solemn melody by alford-Davies, Stanford’s “Benedictus,” and Scottish' songs arranged by Mr. Goddard, were all played with taste and expression, the variety of stops used and interpretation leaving no doubt as to Mr. Goddard’s ability and artistic tepiperament. The programme ended with the bright nuptial procession (Romeo and Juliet) by Gounod. Mr. J. R. McLennan assisted the organist by .singing the recitative “I feel the Deity within,” and the air “Ann. Arm, ye Brave” (Maccabaeus). Handel, and “A Sailor’s Prayer” (Keel). Mr McLennan possesses a baritone voice, of very good quality, and sang his numbers well, giving evidence of appreciation of both words and music. Giie- of the Scotch songs (Hainej played by Mr. Goddard tyas a composition, by Mr. J. Sturrock, and was full of. interest, the harmonies being well thought out and the progressions following smoothly. The recital was one of the most enjoyable Mr. Goddard has given.