ORGAN RECITAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 September 1924, Page 8

ORGAN RECITAL.

BY DR. T. HAIGH. BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE. It is rarely indeed that Hawera has the opportunity of hearing a musician . ;!i the high reputation of Dr. Haigh, both as a performer and as a composer, give a programme of organ music. The tieat, though very short notice was privilege, therefore, of such a musical treat, though very short notice was possible, was sufficient to attract an audience which quite filled the : Presbyterian Church yesterday evening. To say that his work was cordially appreciated is hardly necessary. It was a performance which for musicianly art and brilliantexecution wilL long be remembered as an outstanding event in the" musical life of the town. Dr. Haig’s programme was extremely well chosen, with a view not only tc demonstrate his own "ability as an organist, but also to display the utmost capacity and resources of the organ. In both he achieved a great success. The opening number was a brilliant fantasia in F minor (Mo-zart). It is a selection in which the movements are eminently typical of the great composer. The. contrasts in tone and the lovely melodies in in gal style were exceptionally well brought out. A feature, too, was the fine pedal work. The two Brahms chorales formed a very pice contrast in styles. The first opened on the soft stops, and it was filled with beautiful melodies, while the second was the real mediaeval type of chorale with fine progressions of full chords. The two made a most effective number. The Bo oilman suite in four movements was very attractive. Each had a strikingly distinctive style, the first, a rather slow dignified movement; the second a very pretty selection, with a brisk and lively melody in triple' time, concluding in a great finale ; the' third showing contrasted melodies, mainly on celeste and gamba, a movement of rare beauty; and the: fourth a brilliant presto, working up to a grand climax. The four made a very fine combination. Dr. Haig’s own Cradle Song and Scherzo formed one of the most attractive selections on the programme. The string effect of the solo work in the former was most delightful, and the soft quiet ending was most appropriate. The Scherzo opened with a brilliant movement on full organ and .in contrast” was a very pretty soft movement, the number ending in a great finale that gave the player full scope to show his ability alike on manuals ai d pedals. It was altogether most attractive. The Debussy Prelude typified the ultra modern school, with its strange progressions of weird chords. Ibis was bracketed with a Wagner wel'icie, in which great opportunity was given to show the organist’s wonderful technique, The solo" trumpet effect wi inappropriate accompaniment, and the fine pedal work were features of this great orelude. The Brahms “Air” and the Schumann “Sketch” were both verj beautiful, and were most heartily appreciated by all. The former especially was marked by many ! very .striking tone changes and effects. One of the outstanding numbers wa; the wonderful and brilliant Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. It- is a work that makes very great demands on.'an organist. In the fine opening numb-c-Dr. Haig’s manual, technique was very marked, while in the fugue the subject was successively brought out with precision and marked effect, the grand climax being mo.st striking. The Allegro Wvace (Wider) made a very fine con trast with the Guilmant “Canzone,” the. brilliant execution required in the former and the most beautiful soft effects serving to give the organist further scope to show his remarkable ver sotility. A very fitting climax to ; really great programme was the very fine concert overture of Hollins. Tt this perhaps more than any other Dr. Haig showed his wonderful mastery o f the art of securing unusual tonal ef fects. The work abounds in striking contrasted movements, and in each the player was in great form. The National Anthem concluded the programme. The appreciation felt by all at the great musical treat given by Dr. Haigh was fittingly expressed by Mr P. Thomson. and by Mr L. A. Bone. A vote of thanks was carried to him for his remarkably fine recital performance. The church authorities ai’e entitled to the thanks of the musical people of Hawera for the readiness with which thev agreed to allow the -recital on their fine church organ.